Using ibuprofen on a regular basis for more than ten years could cut a woman's risk of breast cancer by as much as 50 per cent.

A study carried out by researchers at Ohio State University has been looking at the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on breast cancer risk in a group of around 81,000 women.

The women, aged between 50 and 79, were asked about their use of over-the-counter pain medication like aspirin and ibuprofen. Those taking NSAIDs for five to nine years had a 21 per cent reduction in their incidence of breast cancer. Taking the drugs for ten years or more decreased the risk by 28 per cent.

When separated into the type of drug taken, it became apparent that ibuprofen was especially beneficial. Ibuprofen use reduced breast cancer risk by 50 per cent and aspirin use by about 30 per cent. The researchers think the NSAIDs exert their protective effect by blocking inflammation. There is now speculation that NSAIDs may be able to help prevent other forms of cancer.

Source

American Association of Cancer Research Meeting 13th July 2003