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Deodorants & breast cancer

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Curriculum link

11-14 (KS3)
Cells QCA 7a
that cells can make new cells by dividing
that growth occurs when new cells are made and increase in size

Running the activity

In this starter or main activity students learn about a recent study in which a deodorant chemical was found in the tissues of women with breast cancer. They use information about cell division and tumour formation, as well as facts on deodorants, to plan - and present - one minute of radio talk giving a balanced picture of the risks to deodorant users.

Page 1 uses newspaper headlines and a short article to set the scene and describe the study. It also sets the task.
Page 2 is a fact sheet. It includes information about cancer and carcinogens, deodorants and the possible links between them. Quotes from Cancer Research UK and the Cosmetic and Perfumery Association are also given.
Page 3 is a template for compiling the radio talk slot, giving suggestions of who might be on the radio show and the comments, questions or answers they might give.

You might like to start the lesson by asking students if they know of any warnings or usage recommendations on underarm cosmetic products, or other personal care products. You could extend the activity further by looking at the level of risk for populations, how media coverage affects perceived risk and how students should react personally in terms of using underarm cosmetics.

Web links

News links

The Guardian

is a detailed report from the Guardian newspaper - useful for more able students, or for more background information for teachers.

BBC Health News

contains useful information based on Dr Darbres review study, and links through to other sites. If this link does not work, go to the BBC news home page, and type "deodorant" into the advanced search facility!

AntiPerspirants Information

Provides information on why our bodies sweat - including an interactive "Why do we Sweat" section and an explanation of the most common ingredients in popular antiperspirants and deodorants.

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