NSAIDs tied to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma risk in Women

Saturday, September 13th 2003

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Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, appears to be associated with a heightened risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), according to a study of more than 27,000 postmenopausal women.

In the September 20th issue of the International Journal of Cancer, Dr. James R. Cerhan of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and colleagues note that research in patients with rheumatoid arthritis suggest that NSAIDs are protective against colon cancer but may raise the risk of NHL.

To investigate, the team prospectively studied a cohort of 27,290 postmenopausal women participating in the Iowa Women's Health Study, using data from a questionnaire and a state cancer registry to calculate risks.

Over a follow-up period of 7 years, a total of 131 case of NHL were identified.

Compared with women who did not use NSAIDs at all, the NHL risk ratio for those who used aspirin exclusively was 1.71. For those who used non-aspirin NSAIDs exclusively, the risk ratio was 2.39. The corresponding figure for women who used both types of drugs was 1.97.

A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis carried a risk ratio of 1.75, but there was no significant relationship with osteoarthritis (risk ratio 1.06). Furthermore, the association of NSAIDs use and NHL was independent of a history of rheumatoid arthritis.

In comments to Reuters Health, Dr. Cerhan observed that "our findings are provocative as they do raise safety concerns about regular use of these agents. However, our findings need to be replicated in additional studies before making any clinical or public health recommendations."

Source: International Journal of Cancer 2003;106:784-788

Footnote from Ideal Health

The following supplements are all useful for reducing your risk factors. Use the links for more information.

Glandnecta
Advanced Antioxidant
Milk Thistle
ViralEx
Ginger Root
Quercetin with Bromelain
Turmeric
Boswellia
Glucosamine 1500 Complex

Related health information can be found here:

Cancer
Anti-Inflammatory
Rheumatism
Antioxidants
Glands

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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