Regular Use of NSAIDs May Increase the Risk of Cancer-Related Deaths in Women

Using Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) regularly may increase the risk of cancer-related death in women, reveals study.

Highlights

Endometrial cancer is the abnormal proliferation of cells in the inner lining of the uterus.
Regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs have increased the risk of cancer-related deaths in women, finds study
It is advisable that women who use Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs regularly must consult the physician before taking the drugs.

Long-term use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin and ibuprofen may increase the risk of death in patients with type 1 endometrial cancers, finds a study from the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The research study was conducted on more than 4000 patients to understand the link between regular NSAID use and risk of endometrial cancer.

Taking NSAIDs With Antithrombotic Therapy Increases Risk of Bleeding, Heart Attack, Stroke, Cardiovascular Death
Treatment with NSAIDs among patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, was associated with an increased risk of bleeding, heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death.

‘Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of cancer-related death in women.’

The participants in the study were asked to collect data through a questionnaire about their previous and current NSAID use of aspirin, non-aspirin NSAIDS like ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin and COX-2 inhibitors. They collected information about duration of use by patients from one year to ten years.

The study findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Endometrial cancer occurs when there is an abnormal proliferation of cells inside the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). Regular NSAID use may increase the risk of endometrial cancer by 66%. The cancer risk was strong among patients who had used NSAIDS for more than 10 years.

NSAIDs Do Not Increase Risk of Miscarriage
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) intake during pregnancy is not linked to increased risk of miscarriage, finds study CMAJ.

Theodore Brasky, PhD, lead author, cancer epidemiologist, said, "There is a increasing evidence that chronic inflammation is involved in endometrial cancer and progression and recent data suggests that inhibition of inflammation through NSAID use plays a role."

"This study identifies a clear association that merits additional research to help us fully understand the biologic mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Our finding was surprising because it goes against previous studies that suggest NSAIDs can be used to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of developing or dying from certain cancers, like colorectal cancer."

Can Aspirin be Prescribed for Prevention of Cancer?
Newer studies are being carried out to study the role of aspirin in cancer prevention and preventing cancer death.

Ashley Felix, PhD, said, "We are continuing to analyze the biologic mechanisms by which inflammation is related to cancer progression in this specific cohort of patients."

David Cohn, MD, gynecologic oncology division, said, The study results were fascinating and required further investigation. It is necessary to remember that endometrial cancer patients are more likely to die of heart disease, so women who take NSAIDs for heart attack should continue to take the drug.

Cancer Pain - A Menacing Condition
Pain is a common complaint and a frequent symptom in the cancer patients,affecting one third of the cancer cases.Pain can be due to cancer itself,cancer treatments or co-morbidities related to cancer.

It is also advisable that women who are in need to take long-term anti-inflammatory drugs must consult the physician before using the drugs.

Study Limitation
The research team points out that the Information about the specific dose and NSAID use after surgery is not available.

Facts on Endometrial Cancer

It is the fourth most common cancer in women
Endometrial cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer -related death in women
The disease is found to be more common among the women who are above the age of 60.
More than 95% of uterine cancers start from the endometrium.
Around 53% of the cancers occur more in the developed countries.

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as pain relievers but are also used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions like arthritis, tendonitis. Some of the commonly used NSAIDS include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, aceclofenac and indomethacin.

Side Effects of NSAIDS

Stomach upset
Ulcers
Bleeding
Kidney problems
Heart problems
Rashes
Fluid retention (Swelling of the legs and ankle)

Reference:

Theodore M. Brasky et.al. ‘Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Endometrial Carcinoma Mortality and Recurrence’ Journal of the National Cancer Institute; (2016) doi: 10.1093/jnci/djw251
What is endometrial cancer? - ( http://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrialcancer/detailedguide/endometrial-uterine-cancer-what-is-endometrial-cancer)
Endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) statistics - ( http://www.wcrf.org/int/cancer-facts-figures/data-specific-cancers/endometrial-cancer-cancer-lining-womb-statistics)
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - ( http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Treatments/NSAIDs)

Source-Medindia