Aspirin, Ibuprofen May Provide Skin Cancer Protection, Study Finds
Aspirin and ibuprofen are common medicine cabinet staples due to their relative safety and known efficiency, but the ubiquitous painkillers may also provide a secondary benefit- skin cancer protection.
Aspirin regimens have long been associated with reduction of cardiovascular risk, but a new Danish study examined how anti-inflammatory medications could inhibit the development of cancer as well. The study was large- around 200,000 people- and found benefit when it came to squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
In the study, published in the journal Cancer, researchers wrote:
“Given the high skin cancer incidence and the widespread and frequent use of NSAIDs, a preventive effect of these agents may have important public health implications… The risk reduction was greatest among long-term and high-intensity users, suggesting a cumulative and dose-dependent, protective effect.”
Basal cell carcinoma risk did not seem to be impacted by use of anti-inflammatories like aspirin or ibuprofen in the study. Previous studies have also linked aspirin to a reduction in cancer risk.
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About the Author
Kim LaCapria Kim LaCapria is a writer and editor based in New York. A longtime information junkie, she began blogging full-time at the Inquisitr in 2009. Prior to that, she worked as a marketing assistant in the cosmetics and skincare industry. In addition to her writing for fortytwotimes, she also writes for Medacity and The Inquisitr. Kim is also a contributor for SocialNewsDaily, Indyposted, and TotallyMoney. In the past, she contributed to Lipstick and Luxury and managed social media accounts and blogs for several small and mid-sized businesses.
