Queensland scientists say common drugs such as aspirin may hold the key to reducing the risk of developing skin cancer.The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) says it has obtained the first evidence that non-steroidal drugs may offer protection against squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratoses, or skin spots. Some non-steroidal drugs have already been found to be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease and other cancers. A team of epidemiologists discovered the link through the Nambour Skin Cancer study, which surveyed about 1,000 residents in the south-east Queensland town. The QIMR’s Dr David Whiteman says the result has been found in patients who have taken drugs such as aspirin or Ibuprofen at least twice a week over five years.
