Further evidence that aspirin protects against breast cancer
Regular use of aspirin is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, according to new research (JAMA 2004:291:2433).
The study adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that aspirin
and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective chemopreventive
agents.
US researchers studied the frequency and duration of aspirin use among
1,442 women with breast cancer and 1,420 controls. They found that current
or previous use of aspirin or other NSAIDs at least once per week for
six months or longer was reported in 20.9 per cent of cases and 24.3
per cent of controls, representing a 20 per cent lower risk for breast
cancer. “The inverse association was most pronounced among frequent
users [seven or more tablets per week, 28 per cent lower risk],” they
say. The results for ibuprofen, which was used by fewer women on a regular
basis, were generally weaker and paracetamol use was not associated with
a reduction in risk. The reduced risk was seen for women with hormone
receptor positive tumours but not for women with hormone receptor negative
tumours.
“Our data supported by other epidemiological and laboratory evidence,
bolster the case for the use of aspirin and NSAIDs as chemopreventive
agents against breast cancer, particuarly among postmenopausal women,” they
say. However, they add that the potential benefits need to be balanced
against harmful effects of long-term aspirin use. |
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Pharmaceutical Journal
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