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Some Pain Relievers May Lower Colon Cancer Risk in Older Adults

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Some Pain Relievers May Lower Colon Cancer Risk in Older Adults

A long-term study has found that certain pain relievers—non-aspirin NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen—may help lower the risk of colon cancer in people over 70.

Researchers looked at data from more than 19,000 older adults in the U.S. and Australia who took part in a large health study. They followed these individuals for over 8 years to see how many developed colorectal cancer.

The results showed that those who were already using non-aspirin NSAIDs (NA-NSAIDs) had a lower risk of developing colon cancer. The longer they used these medications, the lower their risk became. People with higher levels of use had about half the risk compared to those who didn’t take them.

Aspirin, which is sometimes used for heart protection, didn’t change this effect. It didn’t make things better or worse when taken with NA-NSAIDs.

While this sounds promising, NSAIDs are not risk-free. Long-term use can lead to stomach bleeding or kidney problems, especially in older adults. That’s why it’s important to never start or stop medications without talking to a doctor.

If you’re over 70 and concerned about colon cancer, the most effective step is regular screening. But if you already use NSAIDs for other health reasons, this study suggests there may be an added benefit.

Always speak with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

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