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. 2012 Feb;28(1):29-44.
doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2011.11.004.

Natural products for cancer prevention

Heather Greenlee  1
Affiliations

Natural products for cancer prevention

Heather Greenlee. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2012 Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: To review the clinical trial literature on the use and effects of natural products for cancer prevention.

Data sources: Clinical trials published in PubMed.

Conclusion: There is a growing body of literature on the use of natural products for cancer prevention. To date, few trials have demonstrated conclusive benefit. Current guidelines recommend against the use of natural products for cancer prevention.

Implications for nursing practice: Clinicians should ask patients about their use of natural products and motivations for use. If patients are using natural products for cancer prevention, they should be counseled on the current guidelines, as well as their options for other cancer prevention strategies.

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References

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    1. Alberts DS, Hess LM. Fundamentals of Cancer Prevention. New York: Springer; 2005.
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    1. Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United States, 2007. Natl Health Stat Report. 2008 Dec 10;(12):1–23. - PubMed
    1. [Accessed September 1, 2011.];Thinking About Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Guide for People With Cancer. 2011 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cam/thinking-about-CAM/page7.

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