Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, according to a new study published online in Cancer.
Sigrún Alba Jóhannesdóttir, BSc, of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, and colleagues analyzed medical records from northern Denmark from 1991 through 2009 and identified 1,974 diagnoses of squamous cell carcinoma, 13,316 diagnoses of basal cell carcinoma, and 3,242 diagnoses of malignant melanoma. They compared information, including NSAID prescription data, from these patients with that of 178,655 individuals without skin cancer.
Those individuals who filled more than two prescriptions for NSAIDs had a 15% decreased risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma, and a 13% decreased risk for developing malignant melanoma than those who filled two or fewer NSAID prescriptions, the study showed. The longer participants took the NSAIDS, the lower their risk for these skin cancers.
Exactly how, or even if, NSAIDS affect skin cancer risk is not fully understood, but these drugs target the cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) enzyme, which is also expressed by certain cancers. “We hope that the potential cancer-protective effect of NSAIDs will inspire more research on skin-cancer prevention,” says Jóhannesdóttir, in a press release. “Also, this potential cancer-protective effect should be taken into account when discussing benefits and harms of NSAID use.”
[Source: Cancer]
About Me
- E. Bradley Garber MD FACS
- Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
- I was born in New Orleans. I obtained my B.A. degree with Distinction and Phi Beta Kappa Honors from the University of Colorado. I obtained my M.D. degree from L.S.U. Medical Center. I completed a 5 year surgery residency specializing in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Denver Colorado. I served in the military and spent two years in Germany at Landstuhl Army Medical Center. From 1983-1985, I trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Miami, Florida under world renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Ralph Millard. I have been in solo practice for over 20 years performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. I have obtained Board Certification by two boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities: The Amercian Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery. I have served as President of the Tulsa County Medical Society and Chief of Surgery at St. John Medical Center. It has been an honor and priviledge to provide surgical care to my patients. email: bradgarber@sbcglobal.net