Breast Cancer Risk Declines with Use of Aspirin and Ibuprofen

Recent findings published in the Journal of American Medicine show that taking aspirin and ibuprofen can actually reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

The results of the study were staggering and offer hope to women who live in fear of developing breast cancer due to a genetic disposition to the disease. The study found that among the women who participated in the study, those that adhered to an aspirin regimen had a thirteen percent lower risk factor of developing breast cancer and those that adhered to an ibuprofen regimen had a staggering twenty-one percent lower risk of developing the deadly cancer.

Caution Issued for Aspirin and Ibuprofen Use

Researchers caution, however, that while it may be enticing to pop these over-the-counter and easily attainable drugs in an effort to reduce one’s chance of developing breast cancer, it is also important to point out that taking these drugs can also cause one to develop intestinal bleeding. And even more alerting is the profound risk of heart problems that can develop after taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which for simplicity sake are usually abbreviated to NSAIDs or NAIDs , are drugs with analgesic, antipyretic and, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory effects, which reduce pain, fever and inflammation.

These Medicines Used for Preventing Breast Cancer

One of the authors of the study, Mahyar Etminan, Pharm.D. of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, comments that the link is plausible. But Bahi Takkouche, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, states that he would not recommend women take these medicines for the goal of preventing breast cancer.

Research that was conducted on animals show that NSAIDs could be more beneficial in fighting certain types of cancer of the breast than others and the results are mixed.

The REACT Trial Study

Mahyar Etminan remarked that the initial study looking at NSAIDS and its possible effect on cancer is currently being conducted in a study called the REACT trial. This study is being conducted in the UK on women who are, unfortunately, at a higher risk of developing cancer of the breast. The study is aimed at answering the question as to whether or not NSAIDs are indeed effective in lowering the risk of breast cancer for these women.

Risk Factors for Developing Breast Cancer

Risk factors of developing breast cancer include aging, genetic factors, which can cause a predisposition to the disease, personal history of the disease, race and ethnicity, dense breast tissue, and certain benign breast conditions.

Breast Cancer Statistics

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in women. Notwithstanding non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the highest individual cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. And breast cancer is the second most prevalent reason for death related to cancer in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Screening is important because it can aid in finding the cancerous cells at an early stage. When abnormal cells or tissue are found at an early state they are easier to treat.

By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.

Visit to the Doctor

A woman’s visit to the doctor will most likely include a breast exam during which any breast changes are examined. This is a way to help screen for breast cancer. In most cases, if a woman is 40 years old, the attending physician will recommend a mammogram as well as routine breast exams.

It is important for women to periodically visit their physicians office for an exam. Some medical experts have commented that the term well women “annual visit” should be replaced by “periodic well-woman visit.”

In Some Cases, It Is Mistaken For A Toothache Or A Headache.

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Many people have experienced it – a shooting pain in a tooth that just doesn't seem to go away. Chewing or drinking even aggravates the pain. But for some, face or jaw discomfort can be so intense that it electrifies certain areas of the face with piercing pain.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes severe face discomfort, usually on one side of the face, and results in a shooting pain that can appear in the eye, nose, check bone, mouth and chin. The pain can feel like an ice pick being forced into the skin and can last for weeks, months, even years. The disorder is so rare that it is difficult to diagnose.

Signs and Symptoms

Trigeminal Neuralgia usually affects just one side of the face but there have been known cases of bilateral Trigeminal Neuralgia. In many situations, it is mistaken for a toothache or headache. People who suffer from this disorder can suffer from attacks of pain repeatedly throughout the day. Then, the pain can disappear for a period of time only to reappear later with a more severe episode. Remission is less frequent the longer period of time the person has suffered from Trigeminal Neuralgia.

People who have suffered from severe Trigeminal Neuralgia have described the pain episodes as:

• Lightning-like or electric-like shocking pain
• Shooting pain
• Jabbing-like pain
• Like having live wires in the face

What Causes the Pain?

Trigeminal Neuralgia refers to a nerve disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, a nerve that distributes feeling to the skin of the face, the teeth, the eyes and the lining of the mouth. This severe pain-causing disorder may be prompted by aging, a disease such as Multiple Sclerosis, or a tumor that could press on the nerve. Upon diagnosis, physicians will order a MRI so that Multiple Sclerosis can be ruled out.

What is the Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia is usually started with a medication regimen, which in most cases will cause the pain to subside. But in some situations, the Trigeminal Neuralgia does not respond to medication and the ultimate treatment is surgery.

Some people who are treating their Trigeminal Neuralgia with medication can in time stop responding to medications, or they might experience unpleasant side effects. In this case, surgery, or a combination of surgery and medications, may be a viable treatment option.

Recent Cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia in the News

In Knoxville, Tennessee, Knox County Commissioner Amy Broyles announced that she was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia and her treatment plan included surgery to correct the pressure that was on the nerve resulting in her pain. According to her statement, her surgery required opening a hole behind the ear and inserting a cushion between the base of the trigeminal nerve and the artery that loops over it.

Shortly after the surgery, a news release stated that the surgery was slightly more complicated than originally planned, and that there were some "complications". Apparently Broyles was suffering from balance and coordination issues, however Broyles reported success shortly afterwards. The resulting issues with coordination and balance should fade over time.

A reader of the news release commented that "...those that have it liken it to a lightning bolt burning across the face..... terrible terrible nerve pain. Those who have this condition virtually live in fear of the next episode."

It is anticipated that Broyles will have a complete recovery.

Coping and Support for Pain Management

Living with Trigeminal Neuralgia may be a challenge. Pain management skills and networking with others that suffer from this nerve disorder can be helpful. If you or a loved one is experiencing tooth pain or pain in the jaw or face, it is recommended that you consult with physician to learn more about treatment and diagnosis.

For further reading on Trigeminal Neuralgia:

• http://www.fpa-support.org/aboutfp/index.html
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trigeminal-neuralgia/DS00446