Common medicine reduces the risk of developing endometrial cancer by 25%, but can also reduce the risk of bowel, breast, lung and prostate cancer. But there are studies that say otherwise
One of the biggest preventable risk factors for endometrial cancer is being overweight or obese, as excess body fat increases estrogen levels – a hormone that can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
Other risk factors include advanced age, hormone replacement therapy, diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. Early onset of menstruation, late menopause or not having children also increase the risk. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and discomfort during sex.
In the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) study, data from more than 42,000 women aged 55 to 74 were analyzed over 12 years. Those who reported taking at least 30 tablets of ibuprofen (over-the-counter medicine widely used by most people, especially for pain relief, fever reduction and treatment of inflammation) per month showed a 25% lower risk of developing endometrial cancer than those who took less than four pills per month. The protective effect was stronger among women with heart disease.
Curiously, aspirin did not demonstrate the same association with risk reduction in this or other studies.
Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, have been studied for the prevention of colon, bladder and breast cancer. The effectiveness of these medications appears to depend on the type of cancergenetics and underlying health conditions.
Ibuprofen’s Broader Potential
The possible protective effects of ibuprofen against cancer go beyond endometrial cancer. Studies suggest that can also reduce the risk of bowel, breast, lung and prostate cancer.
For example, people who already had bowel cancer and took ibuprofen were less likely to have a recurrence. It has also been shown to inhibit the growth and survival of colon cancer, and some evidence even suggests a protective effect against lung cancer in smokers.
Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer and ibuprofen is, in essence, anti-inflammatory. By blocking the activity of the COX-2 enzyme, the drug reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemical messengers that drive inflammation and cell growth – including the growth of cancer cells. Lower prostaglandin levels can delay or stop tumor development.
But that’s only part of the story. Ibuprofen also appears to influence cancer-related genes such as HIF-1α, NFκB and STAT3, which help tumor cells survive in low-oxygen conditions and resist treatment.
Ibuprofen appears to reduce the activity of these genes, making cancer cells more vulnerable. It can also change the way DNA is packaged inside cells, potentially making cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.
There are studies that say otherwise
But Not all surveys point in the same direction. A study of 7,751 patients found that taking aspirin after an endometrial cancer diagnosis was associated with higher mortality, particularly among those who had used aspirin before their diagnosis. Other NSAIDs also appeared to increase the risk of cancer-related death.
On the other hand, a recent review found that NSAIDs, especially aspirin, may reduce the risk of several types of cancer – although regular use of other NSAIDs may increase the risk of kidney cancer. These conflicting results show the complexity of the interaction between inflammation, immunity and cancer.
Despite the promise, the Experts warn against self-medication with ibuprofen to prevent cancer. Prolonged use or high doses of NSAIDs can cause serious side effects, such as stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding and kidney damage.
Less commonly, they can trigger heart problems such as heart attacks or strokes. NSAIDs also interact with several medications, including warfarin and certain antidepressants, increasing the risk of bleeding and other complications.
The idea that a simple painkiller could help prevent cancer is both exciting and provocative. If future studies confirm these findings, ibuprofen could one day be part of a broader strategy to reduce cancer risk, especially in high-risk groups.
For now, experts agree that it is wiser to focus on lifestyle-based prevention: consume anti-inflammatory foods, maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
Everyday medicines may still be surprisingly promising, but until the science catches up, the safest prescription for cancer prevention remains the oldest: eat well, move often, and listen to your doctor before reaching for that bottle of pills.
