Analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use in relation to nonmelanoma skin cancer: a population-based case-control study

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011 Aug;65(2):304-312. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.05.042. Epub 2011 May 6.

Abstract

Background: Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are potentially chemopreventive.

Objective: We examined the relation between NSAID use and nonmelanoma skin cancer in a population-based case-control study.

Methods: NSAID and analgesic use was analyzed in 1484 participants: 535 with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 487 with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and 462 control subjects.

Results: Use of NSAIDs, particularly aspirin, was associated with a reduced odds ratio (OR) of SCC, especially tumors positive for p53 (OR 0.29; 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.79) or with PTCH loss of heterozygosity (OR 0.35; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.96). Although not considered a NSAID, decreased ORs of both basal cell carcinoma and SCC were observed in relation to use of paracetamol (acetaminophen). Risk of BCC was unrelated to NSAID use.

Limitations: Self-reported drug use was a limitation.

Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis that NSAIDs, aspirin in particular, may reduce risk of SCC and may affect specific molecular subtypes of SCC.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / physiopathology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / prevention & control*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / physiopathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / prevention & control*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cohort Studies
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Reference Values
  • Sex Distribution
  • Skin Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Acetaminophen
  • Aspirin