Painkillers reduces breast cancer risk

Researchers carried out a meta-analysis of 38 relevant studies carried out in 5 different countries and involving 2.7 million women to examine the association between NSAID use and breast cancer.


The combining results from all 38 studies show that the use of NSAIDs was associated with a 12% reduction in risk of breast cancer. Analysis of all studies examining aspirin use only found a 13% reduction in the risk while the ibuprofen analysis found a 21% reduction in the risk of breast cancer. The authors conclude that there was an overall decreased risk of breast cancer with NSAID use.


Critics say that the use of aspirin and ibuprofen is not without risk in themselves and warn that long-term use of these painkillers would have serious side effects.


Source: Takkouche B, Regueira-Méndez C, Etminan M. Breast Cancer and Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: A Meta-analysis. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2008; Oct 7 [Epub ahead of print]

Regular use of painkillers could cut Alzheimer's risk

A few newspapers reported a study that has found regular use of ibuprofen, aspirin and other painkillers known as NSAIDs reduces the risk of developing the Alzheimer's disease. Doctors warn that people should not take over-the-counter pain remedies to ward off dementia as there are side effects. The finding is based on a review of six studies involved almost 14,000 people.

Researchers concluded that NSAID use reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, they did not find that a sub-group of NSAIDs, known as the SALAs, more effective than other non-SALAs in preventing the disease. This suggests that all conventional NSAIDs have a similar protective effect in humans.

Critics say this was a review of selected studies and that the risk from bleeding need to be considered against any benefits.

Source: "No advantage of A 42-lowering NSAIDs for prevention of Alzheimer dementia in six pooled cohort studies." Neurology 2008; May 28 [Epub ahead of print]

Non-prescription painkillers may reduce risk of Parkinson's Disease

A study of 293 patients with Parkinson's Disease found that regular use of some non-prescription drugs known as NSAIDs reduced the risk of developing the disease. The protection persisted for 2 years after the patients stopped taking the drugs.

However, researchers warned that regular use of high dose aspirin and non-aspirin NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal bleeding and other risks.

Source: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may protect against Parkinson disease" Neurology 2007; 69: 1836-1842. (Subscription required for f/t)