Do you take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain? If so, you may be inadvertently decreasing your risks of developing breast cancer. Known by their generic names, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, NSAIDs can also be found under many brand names like Aleve or Motrin. According to a Canadian study reported in the September 15th, 2007 issue of American Journal of Epidemiology, women who used NSAIDs, had a lower incidence of breast cancer than those who did not, generally seen with seven or more years of use.

How does it work? NSAIDs limit inflammatory reactions in cells, which may also limit the development of abnormal cells or cancer cells. This allows the body's own defenses time to recognize the abnormal cells and eliminate them before they develop into cancer. However, lifestyle factors might decrease the benefits of NSAIDs, and the mechanism of the formation of some types of breast cancers may not be affected at all by the use of NSAIDs.

More studies need to be completed in order to prove or disprove the relationship between NSAIDs and cancer prevention, but there is the possibility of using NSAIDs in the future to help prevent, and possibly treat, breast cancers.

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