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Aspirin May Help Prevent Skin Cancer―But Don’t Take It

A new study shows that aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprophen and naproxen may lessen the risk of three major types of skin cancer. The study was based on Danish medical records that researchers examined from 1991 through 2009. The findings showed that individuals who filled more than two prescriptions for NSAIDs had a 15 percent lower risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma and a 13 percent decreased risk for malignant melanoma than those who filled fewer NSAID prescriptions.

NSAIDs work by blocking inflammation in the body, and epidemiological evidence points to a connection between inflammation and many cancers. However, there are more effective―and natural―ways to reduce inflammation in your body than by using drugs.