Study Suggests Aspirin Cuts Melanoma Risk
On March 11, 2013 the journal Cancer, a peer reviewed scientific publication, announced findings from a newly published study showing that aspirin may lower the risk of melanoma among women.
The study was an observational trial design, and it looked at the risk of melanoma in nearly 60,000 post-menopausal Caucasian women. The women entering the trial were assessed for their use of aspirin and nonaspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and then followed over time. The median follow-up period in the study group was 12 years.
548 incident melanoma cases were confirmed by medical review. After adjusting for participant skin type, sun exposure history, and medical indications for NSAID use, the researchers found that women who used aspirin had a 21% lower risk of melanoma relative to nonusers. The association was found to be stronger with increased duration of aspirin use, with the strongest association (30% lower melanoma risk) seen in women who has used aspirin for 5 years or more.
The investigators concluded that while the study had some design limitations (observational trial with self-report of NSAID use), aspirin may be associated with a protective effect against melanoma.
For more information, see the article abstract in the journal: Aspirin study in Cancer