That ibuprofen tablet in your medicine cabinet might be doing more than you think. New research suggests this common painkiller could play an unexpected role in reducing cancer risk.
What if your usual painkiller did more than relieve a headache? Recent research suggests that ibuprofen may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID ), found in almost every medicine cabinet, is known to relieve pain, fever and inflammation.
However, its potential role in cancer prevention is a path that is gaining ground among researchers, as highlighted by a study published in August 2025 and summarised on January 20, 2026, by a review on ScienceAlert.
Evidence on several types of cancer
This study, published in the European Journal of Medical Research, analysed data from more than 42,000 women aged 55 to 74. It found that those who took at least 30 ibuprofen tablets per month (which is a significant amount) had approximately a 25% lower risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to those who took very few.
Other data, highlighted by the aforementioned synthesis, suggest that ibuprofen may also be associated with “a reduced risk of colorectal, breast, lung or prostate cancer, and even a decrease in the risk of recurrence after colorectal cancer”.
Cancer: Why can ibuprofen protect us?
Scientists explain these observations by the anti-inflammatory action of the drug and “its influence on genes involved in the survival of tumour cells”.
Indeed, NSAIDs block enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), particularly COX-2, which plays a key role in inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a known factor in tumour growth. By reducing inflammation, ibuprofen could limit certain processes that promote the proliferation of cancer cells.
Moreover, the idea that NSAIDs can reduce the risk of cancer is not new: as early as the 1980s, studies suggested that a similar drug, sulindac, was associated with a reduction in the risk of colon cancer in some patients, as recalled in an article in The Conversation.
Beware of self-medication
However, despite these promising results, scientists agree on one point: it is too early to recommend ibuprofen as an anticancer or preventative drug. Specific clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Moreover, the regular use of NSAIDs is not without risks: ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage or effects on the heart can occur, especially in the long term or in case of overdose.
This article was originally published by Gwendoline Beauchet on the Marie Claire France website
Syndicated for Marie Claire Nigeria by Esther Akinbola
