Colorectal cancer prevention by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: effects of dosage and timing

1999

Colorectal Cancer Prevention with NSAIDs

Sample size: 5815 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Collet J-P, Sharpe C, Belzile E, Boivin J-F, Hanley J, Abenhaim L

Primary Institution: Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies, Sir Mortimer B. Davis–Jewish General Hospital

Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer based on dosage and timing of exposure?

The study found that higher NSAID exposure before diagnosis is associated with a lower rate of colorectal cancer.

3844 cases of colon cancer and 1971 cases of rectal cancer were accrued.
A significant trend towards a decreasing rate ratio for colon cancer was associated with increasing NSAID exposure.
At the highest exposure levels, the rate ratio for colon cancer was 0.57.
At the highest exposure levels, the rate ratio for rectal cancer was 0.26.
No protective effect was found for NSAID exposure during other periods.

Taking certain pain relievers called NSAIDs might help prevent colon cancer, especially if taken for a long time before getting sick.

A case-control study nested in a non-concurrent cohort linkage study using data from the Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan.

Potential selection bias due to matching controls on age and gender.

The study only included individuals with no history of cancer since 1970 and may not generalize to other populations.

Beneficiaries of the Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan from 1981 to 1995.

0.002 for trend in colon cancer; 0.01 for colon cancer exposure 11-15 years prior; 0.0001 for rectal cancer exposure 11-15 years prior.

Colon cancer: 0.36–0.89; Rectal cancer: 0.11–0.61

p<0.05

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