According to Athens University researchers, taking paracetamol daily could reduce, by 30 percent, the risk of ovarian cancer. But the researchers warn that it might not be the best choice in cancer prevention. Why? Because taking paracetamol can lead to serious liver and kidney damage. The words acetaminophen and paracetamol both come from the chemical names for the compound N-acetyl-para-aminophenol and para-acetyl-amino-phenol. In North America, paracetamol is sold in generic form or under a number of trade names like Tylenol, Anacin-3 and Datril. In Europe, it is known as Panadol.
In another recent study, Tylenol was found to cause liver damage even in small doses in just two weeks after taking the painkiller daily.
Dr. Neil Kaplowitz of the University of Southern California, hired by Purdue Pharma, which makes the prescription painkiller OxyContin to look into the effects of Tylenol on the liver said, "I would urge the public not to exceed 4 grams (eight extra-strength tablets) a day. This is a drug that has a rather narrow safety window." Heavy drinkers should not exceed 2 grams a day. But the makers of Tylenol argue that the study this study does not reflect the findings of the studies they have done on their product and that long-term high-dose Tylenol did not lead to liver disease.
The bottom line? Ovarian cancer does not occur as commonly as some of the other cancers, but it tends to be far more deadly unless caught in the earliest stage of development. Paracetamol or Tylenol, does and does not carry serious side effects, depending on the study and who is doing the study. Prevention, better methods of detection and more effective treatments would seem to be a better route in ovarian cancer prevention and cancer survivorship. But that does not help right now, for women who are concerned about being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and being told in the news there is an over-the-counter drug that might reduce the risk. Even though their study shows a benefit, Athens University researchers warn that deciding to take paracetamol as part of an ovarian cancer prevention strategy needs to carefully considered.
