Joanne Jacob, and I am a student involved in the Honors Mentorship Program. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work at a pathology lab at the local hospital. My experience has been phenomenal, learning everything from mythology and physics, to anatomy and cytology. 



It is a fact that colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in America, but little is known of the steps individuals can take to prevent it or treat it earlier. During my second week of mentorship, I remember observing a sample of colorectal cancer and discussing with my mentor about why this cancer is so prevalent. After speaking with my mentor and peers, I realized that most of the population simply does not know much about colon cancer. Through my project I hope to answer the questions of “What is colon cancer?”, “How do I know if I have it?”, “How can it be prevented?” and many more.

​

Using the various microscopes and imaging techniques available to me through my mentorship, and numerous print and electronic resources, I gathered information that I believed would best benefit the community. Roll over for caption.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have shared my findings to classes at my high school, and organized a website to help spread information.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The most important fact that I wish to impart is that cancer screening can save your life. After an individual becomes fifty years old, they should screen for cancer through a colonoscopy every ten years, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If these small steps can be taken, an individual can greatly reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer.