A common pain reliever appears to reduce the risk of uterine cancer.Gettyimages.ruThe results showed that women who took 30 or more ibuprofen tablets per month had a 25% lower risk of developing the disease compared to those who took fewer than four tablets per month.
The roots of this idea date back to 1983, when researchers first noticed that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—of which ibuprofen belongs—may be associated with lower colon cancer rates. Since then, scientists have delved deeper into this relationship, trying to understand the mechanisms by which this common drug might offer this additional protection.
The answer lies, in part, in ibuprofen's basic mechanism of action. As is well known, the drug works by inhibiting cyclooxygenases (COX), which are responsible for inflammation. When COX-2 is inhibited, in particular, it reduces the production of prostaglandins—molecules that not only cause inflammation but may also stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
The latest evidence comes from a comprehensive study of more than 42,000 women. The results showed that women who took about one ibuprofen pill daily reduced their risk of developing endometrial cancer by a significant 25%. The protective effect was most pronounced among women with heart disease. Interestingly, this effect was not seen with aspirin, despite it being from the same family of drugs.
The potential benefits aren't limited to endometrial cancer. Other studies indicate that ibuprofen may help reduce the risk of bowel, breast, lung, and prostate cancers. Some research has even found that it may reduce the chance of bowel cancer recurring after treatment.
Behind these effects lies a more complex story than simply suppressing inflammation. Ibuprofen appears to affect certain genes linked to tumor growth and may alter the way DNA is packaged inside cells, making cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.
But the picture isn't all rosy. Some studies warn that using these drugs after a cancer diagnosis may be associated with adverse outcomes in some cases. Long-term use of ibuprofen also carries known risks, such as stomach ulcers, kidney disease, and heart problems, especially when combined with other medications.
Experts emphasize that it is too early to recommend ibuprofen for cancer prevention, and that traditional methods such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising remain the cornerstones of prevention. However, this research opens the door to the possibility of developing new prevention strategies, especially for people at higher risk of cancer, utilizing familiar and inexpensive medications that may offer unexpected benefits.
