Prevention tips
Here are some tips students at Big Thompson Elementary School offered for preventing cancer, lessons they learned from the nonprofit Cancer Schmancer.
• Avoid processed foods.
• Eat foods that are not genetically modified and do not contain hormones or pesticides.
• Look for foods marked 100 percent organic.
• Be cautious of the deodorants, lipstick and other products because what you put on your body sinks in.
• Read the labels on cleaning supplies, shampoos and other products.
• Visit www.cancerschmancer.org for more information.
As fifth-grade students Katie Wright and Jessica Neal researched how food, beauty products, cleaning supplies and more can lead to cancer, they were shocked and inspired to spread the word with their fellow students.
"It would be amazing if we could make a difference," said Jessica, 11. "The smallest groups can make the biggest difference."
The two girls presented what they learned to all the students in three grade levels at Big Thompson Elementary School on Friday with an assembly created by Cancer Schmancer, a nonprofit that was created and is driven by actress Fran Drescher.
The lessons they learned, then turned around and taught, included looking at how the foods people eat, the products they use and environmental factors can lead to cancer.
They couldn't believe, as their research showed, that only 5 percent to 10 percent of cancers are genetic, while the rest are caused by what goes "in, on and around" our bodies, according to the presentation from Cancer Schmancer.
They urged their classmates to make healthier choices and to share what they learned with their families as well as with friends, teachers and others. They asked the students to make healthier choices in their lives, and both Jessica and Katie said they plan to take their own advice.
The girls began researching Cancer Schmancer as a project for their gifted and talented class, but took their interest a step further. They contacted the nonprofit themselves, interviewed Drescher through email, gave the presentation at an assembly in front of their peers and are forming a "Fran Club" to continue to educate and raise money for cancer.
The girls were excited to continue learning and to continue teaching.
"I'm pretty much breathless," said Jessica of the opportunity to speak to the third, fourth and fifth grade classes at Big Thompson Elementary. "It's so amazing."
Pamela Johnson: 970-669-5050, ext. 526, johnsonp@reporter-herald.com, www.twitter.com/RHPamelaJ.
