Created for health as well as high school biology classes, this program surveys the fundamentals of how cancers develop, how they are treated, the role of genetics and the role of lifestyle choices in cancer prevention. Viewers meet three real people coping with different kinds of cancers and see how their lives are affected. Program emphasizes that promising new treatments are being developed, but also that there is still much that needs to be learned. Engaging original animation clearly illustrates the process of how normal cells turn into cancer cells, how tumors develop, and how cancer cells metastasize to other parts of the body. Program also emphasizes the importance of early cancer screening plus steps students can take to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
Includes:
video, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format
Reviews
This concise, high caliber production takes an unemotional, research-based, yet personalized and even hopeful approach to discussing the types, progression, and causes of cancer. High quality, animated visuals illustrate topics such as cell development and growth, including cancerous cell processes,and genetic instruction and mutation. A section on prevention briefly provides information about health-promoting life choices involving diet and exercise, using condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS, and avoiding needle sharing/drug use. Helping to create a positive outlook are reports about strides in treatment and ongoing scientific research. Interspersed with the factual presentations are interviews with three individuals—a teenage girl, a young woman, and an older male—who discuss their specific types of cancer and how it has impacted their lives. Explicit visuals and accessible definitions ensure that viewers will understand the medical terms used throughout the video. A 26-page teacher's resource guide provides a test, vocabulary, fact sheets, a variety of exercises, and more. Especially appropriate for biology classes studying cells, diseases, and genetics, this excellent production may also be useful in health classes studying the lifestyle choice aspects of health and disease control.
- Rebecca James, Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN
School Library Journal