Celecoxib in Preventing Skin Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Fitzpatrick type I-IV skin * No history of photosensitivity (e.g., systemic or discoid lupus erythematosus, polymorphous light eruption, or photocontact dermatitis) * No history of abnormal tanning responses or other unusual reactions to natural or artificial light sources * Willing to wear sun-protective clothing and SPF 15-49 sunscreen * Willing and able to restrict the frequency of high ultraviolet-exposure activities (e.g., exposure to sunlight, tanning boxes, or other artificial light sources) * No history of keloid formation PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 20 to 60 Performance status: * Not specified Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * WBC ≥ 3,500/mm\^3 * Hemoglobin ≥ 12.0 g/dL * No bleeding disorder Hepatic: * Bilirubin ≤ 20% above upper limit of normal (ULN) * AST and ALT ≤ 20% above ULN * No chronic or acute hepatic disease Renal: * Creatinine ≤ 20% above ULN * No chronic or acute renal disease Gastrointestinal: * No active gastrointestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease) * No pancreatic disease * No esophageal, gastric, pyloric channel, or duodenal ulceration Other: * No invasive cancer except nonmelanoma skin cancer cured by excision or stage I cervical cancer * No hypersensitivity or adverse reactions to NSAIDs, salicylates, cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, or sulfonamides * No condition that would preclude the use of NSAIDs * No clinically significant laboratory abnormalities * No medical or psychosocial condition that would preclude study participation * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile participants must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * No concurrent chemo-immunotherapy Chemotherapy: * See Biologic therapy * At least 1 year since prior chemotherapy, including topical fluorouracil Endocrine therapy: * At least 2 weeks since prior topical glucocorticoids * At least 30 days since prior systemic corticosteroids * No concurrent systemic glucocorticoids (inhaled corticosteroids allowed) * No concurrent topical corticosteroids * No concurrent hormonal therapy * Hormone replacement (e.g., estrogen or thyroid replacement) allowed Radiotherapy: * No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: * Not specified Other: * At least 14 days since prior aspirin (\> 100 mg/day) or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken at least 3 times per week * At least 2 weeks since prior topical alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid or lactic acid) * At least 6 months since prior oral retinoids (3 months for topical retinoids to the face) * At least 30 days since prior treatment for esophageal, gastric, pyloric channel, or duodenal ulceration * At least 30 days since prior investigational medication * No other concurrent investigational medication * No concurrent topical vitamin A derivatives and/or alpha hydroxy acids * No concurrent immunosuppressive drugs * No concurrent topical medication to the skin, including prescription and over-the-counter preparations (moisturizers and emollients allowed) * No concurrent lithium, fluconazole, or warfarin * No concurrent chronic NSAIDs (\> 3 times per week for \> 2 consecutive weeks per year) * Concurrent cardioprotective doses of aspirin (≤ 100 mg/day) allowed * Concurrent acetaminophen allowed * No concurrent green tea consumption of \> 2 cups per day