New research suggests low-dose aspirin may block the growth and spread of breast cancer.

Cancer campaigners have warned the study is in it's early stages but has shown that the painkiller appears to prevent the creation of resistant stem cells that drive the disease.

The discovery was made by US scientists through lab tests which showed the drug suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer strains, including the so-called “triple negative” cancer which is immune to most treatments and leaves women with few options to fight it.

Evidence has previously shown that breast cancer is less likely to return in women taking aspirin to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke, but the reason why was not clear.

Aspirin is often used as an to relieve minor aches and pains, to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication.