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

Abstract

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are potentially chemopreventive. We examined the relation between NSAID use and nonmelanoma skin cancer in a population-based case-control study. 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. 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. Self-reported drug use was a limitation. This study supports the hypothesis that NSAIDs, aspirin in particular, may reduce risk of SCC and may affect specific molecular subtypes of SCC.