Rapid Response

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Prevention of Breast Cancer

Authors: Ian S. Fentiman, MD, DSc, FRCS

Abstract

The selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) tamoxifen and raloxifene reduce the risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. As an alternative approach, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly aspirin, also reduce the risk, albeit to a lesser extent. NSAIDs act via an endocrine mechanism, lowering blood estradiol levels. The particular importance of this effect is as an opportunistic approach to breast cancer risk reduction in older women taking NSAIDs for relief of pain from osteoarthritis.

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References