Chinese Herbs Show Promise in Cancer Prevention

The University of British Columbia is conducting one of North America's first scientific studies on the cancer-preventive powers of herbal medicine. Dr. Stephen Lam and his research team are studying the effects of six Chinese herbs on former smokers who smoked a pack a day for at least 30 years to see if the herbs will help prevent lung cancer. In China, the herbs are already licensed as an effective treatment for cancers of the mouth and esophagus, and are traditionally given as a hot medicinal drink. In Vancouver, a preliminary study of 20 reformed smokers has shown encouraging results.