Painkillers have been linked to lower the risk of colon cancer, according to researchers at the National Cancer Institute. The new study has pointed out that even people with a family history of colon cancer can benefit from aspirin or ibuprofen.

It was found that taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) was linked to an overall 20% lowered risk over 10-years. Taking pain-killers daily led to a 28% lowered risk, while the risk was lowered by 11% among weekly users.

However scientists have not assessed the risks of taking pain-killers on a regular basis and therefore cannot make any public health recommendation.