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We
all have lymph nodes - pea-sized glands that are most noticeable
in the neck, armpits and groin. Lymph nodes are an important
part of the lymphatic system, which is the body's natural
defense against infection and disease. When cancer strikes
this system, it is known as either Hodgkin's disease (named
after the doctor who first described it) or non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma (NHL), of which there are approximately 20 different
forms.
The cause of NHL is largely unknown, although a recent study
suggests use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
might play a role in the onset of the disease. The family
of NSAIDs includes several over-the-counter medications most
people have used before, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin,
Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and some use at least
one of these several times a week. This study evaluated the
association between NSAID use and lymphoma risk in 27,290
postmenopausal women, using questionnaire data and a state
cancer registry to calculate risks.
 Results: Compared with women who did not use NSAIDs
at all, women who used either aspirin exclusively or aspirin
and another type of NSAID had a greater risk of developing
NHL.
If you reach for the medicine cabinet for a pain-reliever
and/or anti-inflammatory medication several times a week,
you're among the millions who do so; however, now you know
the potential danger involved. Always talk to your doctor
before taking any medication -- even the over-the-counter
variety.
Reference:
Cerhan JR, Anderson KE, Janney CA, et al. Association of
aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use
with incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. International
Journal of Cancer, June 2003:106(5), pp784-88.
For more information on the dangers of drugs, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/general/drugs/index.html.
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