Saturday 18/October/2025 – 04:59 PM
New medical research has praised ibuprofen, one of the most widely used painkillers around the world, after recent studies showed it may play a role in preventing some types of cancer, according to The Sun.
Experts stressed that taking ibuprofen should not be considered a self-prevention method, as it still needs more precise studies to confirm its benefits and long-term effects.
A popular dwelling with unexpected properties
Ibuprofen is commonly used to treat headaches, back and joint pain, and menstruation, and belongs to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
But research conducted on more than 200,000 people in Britain showed that regular use of the drug may reduce the risk of developing cancers such as bowel, breast, lung, and prostate.
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes responsible for producing substances called prostaglandins, which are chemical compounds that cause inflammation and increase pain sensitivity.
When the production of these substances decreases, the chances of chronic inflammation, which is one of the factors contributing to the growth of cancer cells, decrease.
The researchers noted that specifically inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme may limit the activity of genes that help tumors survive and resist chemotherapy.
The study, published in the European Medical Journal in 2025, found that women who took 30 or more ibuprofen tablets per month had a 25% lower risk of endometrial cancer than those who rarely used it.
The results showed that the positive effect was stronger among women suffering from heart disease.
Despite the positive indicators, doctors warn against excessive or indiscriminate use of ibuprofen, as it can lead to stomach ulcers, bleeding, kidney damage, and heart problems.
The response varies from person to person depending on genes and general health condition, so it cannot be considered a treatment or a guaranteed method of prevention.
