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Aspirin, ibuprofen were associated with reduced risk for breast cancer

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Despite the inconsistencies in data concerning the effect of NSAIDs on breast cancer, research indicated that both aspirin and ibuprofen were associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer.

Researchers from Spain and Canada conducted a meta-analysis of 38 studies (16 case-control and 22 cohort) examining the association between the risk for breast cancer and the use of NSAIDs (aspirin and ibuprofen). The results of the studies were published between Jan. 1, 1966 and July 1, 2008; 2,788,715 patients were identified.

Results indicated that NSAID use was associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer (RR=0.88; 95% CI, 0.84-0.93); similar results were found for aspirin (RR=0.87; 95% CI, 0.82-0.92) and ibuprofen (RR=0.79; 95% CI, 0.64-0.97).

The association with the use of aspirin was stronger among the 18 case-control studies (RR=0.79; 95% CI, 0.72-0.86) when compared with the cohort studies (RR=0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97).

High intake of either aspirin or ibuprofen did not increase the magnitude of the association.

The researchers suggested that future research should include thorough evaluation of the biologic mechanisms involved in the relationship between NSAIDs and breast cancer.

In an accompanying editorial, Louise R. Howe, MD, and Scott M. Lippman, MD, wrote, “The findings of Takkouche et al support targeting the cyclooxygenase prostaglandin signaling axis to prevent breast cancer. The cardiovascular adverse effects associated with coxibs and potentially other NSAIDs necessitate refocusing Cox–directed cancer prevention strategies to avoid this danger.”

J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008;100:1439-1447.