Cancer is a leading cause of death among adults. Although about 25% of Americans develop cancer in their lifetime, in some populations this rate has been reduced by lifestyle changes. Increasing numbers of people are turning to the use of dietary vegetables, medicinal herbs, and plant extracts to prevent or treat cancer. Their ready availability as "over the counter" supplements has contributed to an explosion in the use of herbal extracts and related compounds for health enhancement.
The spectacular growth of the multi-billion dollar functional food and nutraceutical business, touting health claims sometimes based upon limited research data, underscores the need for this up-to-date reference. Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Cancer Prevention brings together a leading group of experts on the different aspects of nutrient supplementation, foods, and plant extracts in cancer prevention and treatment. Their conclusions and recommendations present the most current knowledge from which to springboard future research and create a scientific database for accurate health claims.

This up-to-date resource is a must-have for research professionals, both basic and applied, and marketers in the worldwide functional foods/nutritional supplements industry. It is an essential reference for hospital-based dietitians and nutritionists, physicians specializing in oncology, and cancer researchers. Food and drug officials who determine allowable health claims need this information as well, as do academics in all of these fields.