Aspirin and ibuprofen lower breast cancer risk

New research suggests that regular use of aspirin and ibuprofen may reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

Results of the review of 38 studies involving more than 2.7 million women revealed that women who regularly take Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are 12% less likely to develop breast cancer than women who do not regularly take such drugs.  Further analysis revealed that regular use of aspirin lowered the risk of developing breast cancer by 13%, whilst regular use of ibuprofen cut risk by 21%.

The researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory action of the drugs is responsible for their apparent ability to protect against breast cancer. “The results are encouraging and may help us better understand the importance of role of inflammation in the pathology of the disease,” says study author Dr. Mahyar Etminan, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia. “However, we don't recommend the routine use of NSAIDs for breast cancer prevention until large randomized trials confirm these findings. Results from an ongoing trial will be available in 2009.”

It is important to note that the regular use of NSAIDs can have serious side effects, and women should consult their physician before regularly using NSAIDs.

Takkouche B, Regueira-Méndez C, Etminan M. Breast cancer and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: A Meta-analysis. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Advance Access published online on October 7, 2008. doi:10.1093/jnci/djn324

News release: Largest review of its kind associates anti-inflammatory drugs with reduced breast cancer risk. University of British Columbia Website. October 7th 2008.