Cancer, aspirin and ibuprofen

So what’s the story with aspirin and ibuprofen?  First they were telling us that they may have cancer-fighting properties.  But a new study tells a different tale.

The research at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, USA involved 114,460 women.  The study followed the women from 1995 to 2001, and some interesting discoveries were made:
* Women who took ibuprofen every day for 5 years or more were 50% more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
* Women who took aspirin every day for 5 years or more were slightly less likely to be diagnosed with the common breast cancer, but 80% more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancers that were not sensitive to the hormones estrogen or progesterone.

These findings are at odds with other papers that have been done on the subject.  It’s a long way from showing us what is actually making the difference, and it in no way proves that ibuprofen or aspirin cause cancer.  American Cancer Society scientist Michael Thun even suggested that the findings were simply a fluke.

However, it does indicate that further study is needed on the long term effects of these medications.  It also casts serious doubt on the belief that these are cancer-fighting drugs.  For more on the study, read "Study links pain relievers and breast cancer" in USA Today.