Introduction Cancer research is one of the most widespread diseases that continues to impact millions of people across the globe.

This can be exciting if you can find discoveries that could improve the cancer research community.

Additionally, a start to a passion project can be a great way to learn on your own and possibly ignite more journies.

Remember, when looking into research as a high schooler, the main point is to learn and understand the indications the study can bring.

These projects aren't meant for students to discover new findings in the scientific community, and while that's not impossible, these ideas are merely a dip into the vast ocean of knowledge.

At the end of this blog, if nothing seems to grab your interest, try picking your own science fair project with Rishab's guide on making your own project idea!

PlayHow to Pick a Science Research Project Idea: FULL GUIDE Cancer Research Project Ideas for High Schoolers Investigating the specific roles within the development of breast cancer Breast cancer continues to be one of the most life-threatening cancer causes of death, and understanding how the tumor is developed is one of the steps to creating solutions and treatments against it.

For this project, you will take a deep dive into a specific gene that plays a role in the development of breast cancer, and its behavior under different circumstances.

After making discoveries, there are many different ways to branch off, such as evaluating its potential as a biomarker, its behavior within interacting with other pathways, or exploring what alterations to the gene are resistant or impactful.

Interested in another type of cancer?

Investigate that instead; there are numerous diseases with unique roles within the development of the tumor.

Cytotoxic effects in natural compounds There are certain anticancer ingredients found in fruits, vegetables, and overall natural compounds that can be used to combat tumor growth.

You can go into a deep dive into what ingredients they are, their behavior and effects on tumor growth, and investigate why exactly they uniquely prevent proliferation.

After exploring such, you can always go deeper into its potential against tumors of different magnitudes.

While you're here, consider watching Rishab's video packed with guidance on winning in competitive science fairs!

PlayThe Blueprint to Win Science Fair in 2024 Exploring Cancer Biomarkers Biomarkers are molecules found in tissues, blood, or other body fluids that indicate a condition, disease, or normal process.

With this project, you can choose a cancer type and read up on the different markers known to provide patient treatment as soon as possible.

There are a variety of ways to detect cancer biomarkers, so it's up to you to figure out which one is best (and cost-effective!) for you.

Cell Signal Pathways Cell signaling pathways are a series of chemical reactions that allow cells to communicate with each other and respond to their environment.

When an individual contracts cancer, cells ignore the signaling pathways that stop them from growing.

These studies can be used as potential therapeutic targets for cancer.

AI-Based Image Analysis for Cancer Diagnosis With this project, you would provide an AI model multiple images of cancer screenings with detected tumors, as well as screenings of a body with no detected tumors.

Here, you can develop the AI to detect any potential tumors developing.

The main goal of this project is to utilize algorithms that can identify patterns within images—usually beyond those that the human eye can perceive—and to exploit them to make predictions and therefore aid the clinical decision-making process.

Medical Imaging Modalities Learn about different medical imaging modalities used in radiomics and radiogenomics research, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound.

Compare the principles, strengths, and limitations of each modality for cancer imaging.

Cancer Metabolism Cancer metabolism is the process by which cancer cells generate energy to grow and spread.

Study alterations in cellular metabolism in cancer cells, such as the Warburg effect and glutamine addiction.

This project would center around researching safe methods to target metabolic pathways as a therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment, and what methods are safe or preferred when treating the tumor.

Advancements to Novel Approaches in Immunotherapy Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, offering promising outcomes for patients with various cancer types.

This project is focused on exploring current approaches in immunotherapy, before seeking to improve it in cancer treatment.

You should, as always, start off with a literature review before going off to investigate potential targets for immunotherapy, such as tumor-specific antigens, or immune cell subsets.

Cancer Health Disparities and its Effects There are inherent differences in cancer incidence, mortality, survival rates, and access to cancer care among different population groups.

Understanding the disparities and their effects on patients is essential for addressing diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes inequities.

Because of how multi-faceted this situation can be, start out small in finding patterns and differences before finding broader connections.

After, propose solutions, small-scale or large, to overcome these disparities.

RNA in Cancer RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) has emerged as a promising tool in cancer treatment, offering innovative approaches to target cancer cells and disrupt tumor growth.

Unlike traditional cancer therapies, RNA-based treatments can specifically target cancer-associated genes and pathways while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

There are multiple opportunities to branch off, such as going into RNA therapy, vaccines, drug delivery systems, or gene editing.

Need more ideas?

Have you already considered that these ideas are just not for you?

No worries, this guide lets you make up your research questions!

The next step you should take as you progress your passion project is to share your findings with the community.

Besides showcasing it to your friends and family, you could show it off at the International Science and Engineering Fair, which connects you to a community full of people passionate about the sciences.

For the best experience, check out Rishab's Science Fair masterclass, full of proven strategies and techniques to provide you and the judges at the science fair with a memorable experience!.