Cancer Update

Gr 7 Up—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