Here's important information if you smoke, or even if you used to. According to research presented at the 17th world conference on lung cancer, regular use of ibuprofen may lower the risk of lung cancer among those with a history of cigarette smoking. We know that chronic inflammation appears to increase the risk of lung cancer and medicines that reduce inflammation have been shown to reduce this risk.

With that as the premise, researchers from Ohio state university examined data for more than 10,000 participants. Over 18 years of followup, 269 people died from lung cancer. Most of them from the 5,800 who had a history of smoking. Researchers looked at the use of ibuprofen, which is in drugs like Advil and Motrin and found it was associated with a 48% reduction in the risk of dying from lung cancer.

On the other hand, taking aspirin and acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in Tylenol, had no effect. Ibuprofen is in a class of drugs called ensades and the bottom line, according to the researchers, is that regular use of certain ensades may be beneficial for smokers as a lung prevention strategy.

These drugs can have side effects. So as always check with your doctor.