What would you say if someone told you that skin cancer could be cured by using a bar of soap? Awesome, right? Fifteen-year-old Heman Bekele is on a path to making that a reality. He has developed a bar soap that could one day treat and prevent multiple forms of skin cancer. Last October, he won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, taking home a $25,000 grant after delivering his pitch to a panel of judges. The grant, Bekele says, will help advance research for the bar soap and contribute to furthering his education.
Bekele, who now lives in Arlington, Virginia, was born in Ethiopia and lived in the East African country until age four, when he emigrated to the U.S. with his family. He’s had a passion for science, “since before I can remember. I’ve just had such a huge love for just knowing things about this world and being curious and really asking questions.” That curiosity led to numerous experiments and, with his keen eye for observation, culminated in this already groundbreaking work at an early age. Partially growing up in Ethiopia, Bekele saw people working long hours under the hot sun, many of them with little to no layering or clothing, and it’s stayed with him ever since. His parents also impressed upon him and his siblings the importance of not staying out too long directly under the sun without sunscreen or good clothing. Finding out the difference between skin cancer survival rates in Africa and places with better treatment resources, he started thinking of ways to create an accessible, cheaper, but effective cure.
“Skin cancer is mostly found on people who live within developing countries,” Bekele said after winning the 3M Young Scientist Challenge last year. “But the average price for an operation is $40,000. I was devastated by the idea of people having to choose between treatment and putting food on the table for their families. There are so many preventable deaths.” During his research, he found out about imiquimod, a body cream often prescribed as part of treating skin cancer. Going off that, he started trying to create a bar soap that could be used to deliver the necessary drugs to skin cancer patients. After months of working with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tretinoin, Bekele developed SCTS, which stands for skin cancer treating soap.
The soap works to reactivate the skin’s dendritic cells, which helps protect the skin by boosting immune response.
Bekele’s story is not just about scientific achievement; it’s also about the importance of accessibility in healthcare. In many developing countries, the high cost of medical treatments can be a significant barrier to receiving care. By creating a low-cost, effective treatment for skin cancer, Bekele is addressing a critical need and potentially saving countless lives. His work underscores the importance of making healthcare innovations accessible to all, regardless of economic status.
In conclusion, Heman Bekele’s development of a skin cancer treating soap is a groundbreaking achievement that holds promise for the future of cancer treatment. His dedication to making healthcare more accessible and affordable is inspiring, and his journey from a curious child in Ethiopia to an award-winning young scientist in the U.S. is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. As Bekele continues his work, the world eagerly anticipates the impact his invention will have on the fight against skin cancer.
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