Reading room

B1 You and Your Genes

• What are we made of? Visit our All About Cancer section for information on cells, genes and DNA
• Find out how we can use our knowledge of genes to prevent cancer
• Learn about stem cells and how they may be involved in cancer

B2 Keeping Healthy

• Find out how a healthy lifestyle is an important part of preventing cancer
• Watch a short video about the EPIC study - a massive population study investigating the links between diet and cancer.

P2 Radiation and Life

• Our Cancer Controversies section explores whether the radiation from mobile phones, X-rays  and power lines is safe.
• Visit our SunSmart pages for information on whether it’s safe to sunbathe and how to protect yourself from UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds.

C 3 Food Matters

• Experts think that about a quarter of all cancer deaths are caused by unhealthy diets and obesity. Read about how the choices that individuals make about their diet can have important consequences for their health.

P3 Radioactive Materials

• Understand how ionising radiation can be used to treat cancer in the form of radiotherapy and find out about our rich history in this area.

Ideas About Science

• Peer review is an important part of scientific research and the development of scientific explanations. Find out how Cancer Research UK uses peer review when deciding which areas of research to fund.
• Our Science fact or science fiction pages help explain how science works and why it is often misrepresented in the media. And find out how to make sense of the confusing or contradictory stories about cancer we see in the press.

B5 Growth & Development

• How do we develop from a single cell? Watch an animation of how new cells are made.
• Learn about the structure of DNA with this really helpful diagram.
• What is gene therapy? Find out more about this new type of treatment.

Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle

• There’s lots of information on the health risks of alcohol, tobacco, food choices and sunbathing on our Healthy Living pages.

Becoming informed citizens

• Find out how to make sense of the science stories that hit the headlines.

There’s a wealth of information on the Healthy Living section of our website to help explain dietary factors which promote and protect against cancer risk, and links between specific cancers and food choice.

And make sure you check out our Science Update blog. This includes many posts on health and lifestyle, including:

• Fruit, vegetables & cancer – why it’s still worth getting your five a day
• Alcohol and cancer
• Are antioxidants good for us?

You can also view all posts about health and lifestyle by selecting the 'Health & lifestyle' category.

Our All about cancer section is great background reading for the following topics:

• The cell cycle – how new cells are made
• The genetic code – the structure of DNA
• The biological basis of cancer – what causes cancer?

Our Spot cancer early section explains more about the different cancer screening techniques currently available:

• Mammography (x-rays) for detecting breast cancer
• Stool testing and flexible sigmoidoscopy for detecting bowel cancer
• Cervical cancer screening
• Other screening tests including ultrasound, CT scans and genetic testing

Our CancerHelp UK pages explain more about the HPV vaccine which can prevent cervical cancer. 

Association of Science Educators (ASE): Visit the Upd8 website to find curriculum-related activities revealing the science behind the headlines.

The British Science Association (BSA): The BSA provides support and resources for teachers and science club leaders and runs events for young people of all ages. Every year the BSA runs the Festival of Science, a week of events for young people and adults.

Cells alive!: The Cells alive! website contains animated film clips and computer enhanced images of living cells and processes.

Centre of the Cell: The Centre of the cell website is full of facts, games and film clips about cells and medical research.

Science and plants for schools (SAPS): This site provides a wide range of teaching resources aimed at pupils between 11 and 18. The materials are designed to help teach cell biology while developing the students understanding of cancer and its treatments.

The Wellcome Trust Big Picture Series: The Big Picture series aims to provide teachers and post-16 students with an accessible, independent and in-depth discussion of developments in biomedical science as they appear in the news, including insight into their social and ethical impact.