Continuous use of aspirin for 5 years or more reduces the risk of cutaneous melanoma by almost half, according to results of a case-control study. Continuous use of nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also reduces risk, but only by 25%.
The analysis compared long-term users (>5 years) with never-users and those who used aspirin or another NSAID among 400 patients with melanoma. Researchers did not identify the specific dose of aspirin taken by patients, but did determine that 70% of patients indicated exposure to aspirin for ≥4 times per week.
The study also sought benefits of long-term statin use as a chemopreventive; however, no significant protective effect was found.
The complete study is available in the July 2011 issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v131/n7/full/jid201158a.html).
