But Johannesdottir added that "we hope that our finding will inspire more research on skin cancer prevention. Also, the potential cancer-protective effect should be taken into account when discussing benefits and harms of NSAID use," she noted.
However, "other studies need to detail the association further and to examine benefits versus risks," she cautioned. "Meanwhile, the most important prevention against skin cancer remains sun protection."
Meanwhile, Dr. William Ting, a private practice dermatologist in San Ramon, Calif., praised the study despite agreeing that many factors are at play when it comes to skin cancer formation.
"Now we have a better understanding that inflammation also plays a significant role in cancer formation and even skin cancers," he said.
And, "this exciting article gives physicians and consumers a relatively simple way of diminishing one's risk of skin cancer by doing what most of us are doing already for heart health," Ting added. Ting also advised that people consult with their doctor before starting on any blood thinner.
While the study found an association between skin cancer risk and NSAIDs, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.
More information
For more on NSAIDs and cancer, visit the U.S. National Cancer Institute.
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