Taking painkillers triples the risk of cancer

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Pain relievers have revolutionized healthcare, bringing relief to millions every day patients all over the world. However, a number of studies have questioned the supposed benefits of long-term pill use. Treatment with certain pain relievers for more than 10 years can triple the risk of kidney cancer.

Non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of kidney cancer by 51 percent. Drugs in this class include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celebrex. Pills designed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation have actually been linked to a reduced risk of many types of cancer.

The oncologist said that the risk of developing kidney cancer increases in proportion to the length of treatment.

“Treatment with these pills for more than 10 years was associated with an almost threefold increase in relative risk. However, not all NSAIDs have been associated with an increased risk of cancer. For example, aspirin and acetaminophen do not affect the risk of developing kidney cancer. Care must be taken when taking certain pain relievers at regular intervals,” says the doctor.

Non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken at least twice a week can increase the risk of kidney cancer by 19 percent in women and six percent in men.

“The risk for both men and women who regularly took NSAIDs without cravings increased by 51 percent over the years analyzed,” the oncologist adds.

Kidney damage usually occurs when the drug is taken in high doses, as it damages the tissues and structures of the organ. It is believed that the long-term effect of some painkillers damages the small filtering vessels in the kidneys.