Pain Relievers Cut Cancer Risk?
According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) may reduce one's risk of developing melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer.
What types of cancer may be reduced by the use of certain pain relievers? This adds melanoma to a list of cancers supposedly preventable simply with the use of these types of pain relievers. Some types of cancer researched in other studies includes mouth, colon, breast and ovarian cancers, among others.
What are NSAID pain relievers? Nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, include products such as aspirin and ibuprofen and are available as over-the-counter pain remedies. Some of these products are available in higher dosage by prescription as well.
How would NSAIDs cut cancer risk? Risks for some types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancers, are believed to be increased by estrogen levels. It is believed that long-term users of NSAIDs have lower estrogen levels than those who do not use NSAIDs on a frequent basis.
What do these studies mean? So far, the studies only show that consistent or long-term use of NSAIDs might help to prevent certain types of cancer. However, it is important to note that most of the studies are based on self-reports of NSAID use by those with and without the cancer being studied.
Although the number of studies done shows that NSAIDs may in fact help reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, there could be other lifestyle factors at play. More in-depth studies will need to be done to prove that pain relievers cut cancer risk.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS NOT MEANT TO TREAT OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE OR CONDITION.
REFERENCES:
Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski, et al.; Long-Term Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Decreases the Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma: Results of a United States Case-Control Study; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Salynn Boyles; Pain Relievers May Reduce Cancer Risk; Medicinenet.com
Published by Jolynne M Hudnell
Jolynne is a part-time freelance writer and independently-published poet. Jolynne has knowledge and experience in a variety of topics. Jolynne enjoys singing and writing poetry. Her published work in... View profile
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