Endometrial cancer, which affects the inner lining of the uterus, is the third most common cancer among women aged 50 to 69 in Italy [1].
Recent online reports have highlighted findings from a scientific study suggesting that ibuprofen, a widely used anti-inflammatory, might reduce the risk of developing this cancer. But what does this research truly reveal?
What Exactly Is Endometrial Cancer and Who Is at Risk of Developing It?
Endometrial cancer forms when cells in the inner lining of the uterus begin to multiply abnormally. It predominantly affects post-menopausal women, with an average diagnosis age of around 63 years [1]. Among the well-known risk factors, hormones play a central role. Post-menopause, the body ceases progesterone production but continues to produce small amounts of estrogen. These estrogens stimulate the division of endometrial cells, which can increase the risk of this cancer [2].
Additionally, other lifestyle factors contribute: the main ones (besides age) include a diet rich in saturated fats, physical inactivity, obesity, and being overweight. Diabetes and smoking are also among the factors that increase the risk of developing the disease [2].
The most crucial warning sign is abnormal uterine bleeding, such as blood loss after menopause or unexpected bleeding outside the regular menstrual cycle. If this symptom appears, it is vital to consult your general practitioner or gynecologist promptly.
If I Have Some of These Risk Factors, Do I Need Regular Check-ups?
Currently, there is no recommended mass screening for endometrial cancer in asymptomatic women, even for those with risk factors like obesity or diabetes [3]. Unlike some other cancers, such as cervical cancer, no routine examination has been shown to reduce mortality in the general population.
As already noted, abnormal bleeding is the most important alarm bell: any blood loss after menopause, or an unusual change in the menstrual cycle, should be reported immediately to your general practitioner or gynecologist. Early diagnosis for this cancer primarily depends on paying attention to symptoms [2].
Is It True That Ibuprofen Lowers the Risk of Getting Sick?
The study that generated recent attention was published in February 2026 in the International Journal of Cancer. This analysis involved 42,394 women aged 55 to 74, recruited between 1993 and 2001 as part of the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial (one of the largest oncology cohort studies conducted in the United States), and followed until December 2009 [4]. During a median follow-up period of 12 years, 678 cases of endometrial cancer were identified.
The results showed that women who regularly took ibuprofen (at least 30 tablets per month) had approximately a 25% lower risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to those who used it sporadically (fewer than four tablets per month) [4]. Conversely, no reduction in risk was observed with aspirin use, neither in the overall analysis nor in the considered subgroups [4]. While this seems like promising news, it’s crucial to understand the scope and limitations of this study.
This was an observational study, meaning it can detect a statistical association between two factors (in this case, drug use and lower cancer incidence) but does not allow for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. To establish a cause-and-effect relationship, a randomized controlled clinical trial would be required, where participants are randomly assigned to either a group taking the drug or a group not taking it. This method minimizes the effects of chance, ensuring the two groups are truly comparable.
The study’s authors themselves emphasize that further prospective and controlled studies are needed to verify these results and elucidate any biological mechanisms potentially involved. Various types of clinical studies exist, each designed to explore a specific hypothesis and allowing for distinct conclusions.
In conclusion, at this stage, the data do not justify any recommendation for the preventive use of ibuprofen. Furthermore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are not without risks: prolonged and high-dose use can cause damage to the stomach, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. Taking them without a clinical necessity, particularly on an ongoing basis, is not a prudent choice.
The currently recommended strategies for reducing endometrial cancer risk remain well-established: maintaining a healthy diet, achieving an appropriate body weight, and managing risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
