MEDIA STATEMENT


Short-term use of Ibuprofen Not Associated with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer

London (1st June 2005) Short term use of ibuprofen* was not associated with increased risk of breast cancer according to data presented in a new study in the June 1 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute .

The researchers also found no increased risk amongst women taking ibuprofen for up to 6 days/week for more than five years.

The increased risk was only noted in long-term (over 5 years) DAILY (more than 6 days a week) use of ibuprofen, with no definite causal link established. Overall, the significance of the data is hard to interpret.

“It is very difficult to assess the clinical impact of these study findings,” said Nick Henderson, Director General of the International Ibuprofen Foundation, ‘The study did not disclose the dosage used or the age of those diagnosed with breast cancer.

These study results are also contrary to previous studies, which have shown a risk reduction or no change in breast cancer risk. For example, a study published in 2003 , which involved over 80,000 women, investigated the association of breast cancer and NSAID use. Within the study, in those women taking ibuprofen, the study revealed a significant risk reduction of developing breast cancer of 49%.
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[1] Marshall SF, Bernstein L, Anton- Culver H, Deapen D, Horn-Ross P L, Mohrenweiser H, et al. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use and Breast Cancer Risk by Stage and Hormone Receptor Status. Jnl of the National Cancer institute, 2005;97:11:805-812.

[2] Harris RE, Chlebowski RT, Jackson RD , Frid DJ, Ascenseo JL, Anderson G, et al. Breast cancer and nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs: prospective results from the Women's Health Initiative. Cancer Res 2003;63:6096-101.

* e.g. for acute pain such as headache, period pain etc.

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