Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and aspirin use and the risk of head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND: Evidence for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) preventing head and neck cancer (HNC) is inconclusive; however, there is some suggestion that aspirin may exert a protective effect. METHODS: Using data from the United States National Cancer Institute Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, we examined the association between aspirin and ibuprofen use and HNC. RESULTS: Regular aspirin use was associated with a significant 22% reduction in HNC risk. No association was observed with regular ibuprofen use. CONCLUSION: Aspirin may have potential as a chemopreventive agent for HNC, but further investigation is warranted.