Torti DC, Christensen BC, Storm CA, Fortuny J, Perry AE, Zens MS, Stukel T, Nelson HH, Spencer SK, Karagas MR. 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):304-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.05.042

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.