This past summer, four Sewanhaka High School students participated in the Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition Students and Scientists Breast Cancer/Environment Research Program.
Seniors Romesha Khan, Karina Thomas and Elizabeth James all worked with Dr. Laura Vandenberg. Khan researched the adverse health effect of Ethinyl Estradiol, found in certain birth control pharmaceuticals, and breast cancer risk. Thomas research the adverse health effect of the chemical Oxybenzone, which is found in sunscreen products and other personal care products, and its relation to breast cancer risk. And, James researched the adverse health effect of the chemical Benzyl Butyl Phthalate, which is found in vinyl flooring, sealants and certain paint products.
Additionally, senior Seher Saleem worked with Dr. Mary Beth Terry on research focused on a cohort of women and their daughters in connection with certain chemicals found in cosmetics and cleaning products, which may increase breast cancer risk.
