Reducing inflammation with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appears to lower the likelihood of certain breast cancers recurring. Researchers reviewed the medical records of more than 400 women who had been treated for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. Most of the women were postmenopausal and overweight.
The scientists found that 6 percent of the women who took aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen on a regular basis had a cancer recurrence. That was about half the rate for those who were not using such anti-inflammatory pain relievers. The researchers were surprised that there was such a dramatic difference between the two groups, but warn that this preliminary study needs to be followed up with a randomized, controlled trial to determine whether NSAIDs can truly reduce breast cancer recurrence.
[Cancer Research, online Aug 15, 2014]
From The People’s Pharmacy perspective, aspirin is something of a wonder drug when it comes to cancer. Although of course simple aspirin cannot treat cancer, people who use aspirin regularly do seem to reduce their risk of a cancer diagnosis. The idea that these women were able to reduce their likelihood of a recurrence with an anti-inflammatory medicine that can be purchased over the counter is exciting for us.
We do recommend that cancer patients or others who believe they may be at high risk for cancer should discuss this research with their oncologists or physicians before embarking on a daily aspirin or NSAID regimen. Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen all have potential side effects and should not be treated casually. You can read more about aspirin pros and cons in our free Guide to Key Aspirin Information.
