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New research has shown that taking basic painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, could help to prevent skin cancer.

The original article can be found at: http://health.ninemsn.com.au/healthnews/8475537/pop-a-pill-to-protect-against-skin-cancer

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This story benefits greatly from the Australian expert's insights which are appropriately cautious about the association between use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin and a modest reduction in risk of some skin cancers including melanoma.

The study, while large, was a retrospective observational study. This type of study can determine associations but not causality and is considered a weak form of evidence. Also, we don't know how well confounding variables were accounted for - for example whether were those who took these drugs were also less likely to be exposed to the sun.

In terms of the findings, it's interesting to note that the incidence of melanoma in Denmark is around 15 cases per 100,000 person years. A 13% reduction only reduces that by less than 2 cases per 100,000 years.

As the expert, and the researchers in their paper, say, more study is needed before this could be recommended as a preventive treatment. Slip slap slop remains an essential protection.

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