October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to celebrate survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and reflect on progress made in screening and treatment. It’s also a great time to focus on inspiring future generations to carry essential research forward. At MiniOne, we believe that giving students hands-on experience with genetics, disease risk, and personalized medicine can foster an interest in STEM for tomorrow’s researchers and clinicians.
Why Teach About Risk Early?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide– just in 2024, the American Cancer Society estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer... meaning many students likely know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease. Educating students about modifiable (diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and reproductive history) and nonmodifiable risks (age, family history) helps them understand how biology, behavior, and environment intersect.
Beyond awareness, early exposure to concepts like genetic predisposition, molecular diagnostics, and precision therapy can plant seeds of interest in biomedical careers. When students get hands-on, engaging experience with real-world applications like identifying mutations that increase cancer risk or tailoring a treatment to a tumor’s molecular signature, they’re more likely to envision themselves as part of the solution.
Breast Cancer Lab Kits from MiniOne Systems
To bring these concepts into the classroom in an engaging, hands-on way, MiniOne Systems offers two breast cancer–focused MiniLabs:
BRCA Chronicles: Breast Cancer Genetics MiniLab (M3054)
In this lab, students explore the role of genetic markers such as BRCA in breast cancer susceptibility. Using gel electrophoresis, student scientists analyze DNA fragments and construct standard curves, then interpret results in a case-study framework. The experience also prompts discussion of the ethical implications of genetic testing—privacy, psychological impact, and access to care.
Personalized Medicine: Diagnosing and Targeting HER2 and ER+ Breast Cancer (M3023) – NEW!
This MiniLab extends the journey from risk to treatment. Students will use gel electrophoresis to assess the HER2 copy number as a molecular technique, then evaluate tissue samples via immunofluorescence slides to determine ER+ status. From the two analyses, they will stratify their patients for which therapy would be the most effective.
From now through the end of November, take advantage of a discount on our new HER2 MiniLab – just $114 (regular price $134), and our BRCA MiniLab – just $109 (regular price $119)!
Each MiniLab supports up to 10 workstations, and includes reagents, DNA samples, buffers, gel cups, and access to teacher and student guides. (Required equipment such as an electrophoresis system is separate.)
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, MiniOne Systems encourages educators to bring real-world science to their students. By demystifying genetics and personalized medicine, you can inspire the next generation of advocates, innovators, and researchers to continue the fight against breast cancer!
Interested in integrating these labs into your curriculum? Contact us today for a quote or to learn more.
