“The average price of skin cancer treatment in the U.S. is almost $40,000, but my bar of soap only costs $8.50 to create, and it can replicate the same effects as something that people pay thousands and thousands of dollars for.”
Heman Bekele, a 14-year-old ninth grader from W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, Virginia, won the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge (YSC) for his development of a compound-based Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS). This innovative soap, designed as an affordable solution for treating melanoma, earned him the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” in and a $25,000 cash prize. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a prestigious competition that highlights young innovators tackling real-world issues.
His Inspiration
Born in Ethiopia, Heman saw people working long hours in the hot sun and the harsh effects of this exposure on their skin. The lack of affordable treatments and unequal access to health care inspired his YSC project, which he wants to be both accessible and equitable. Bekele’s soap contains cancer-fighting chemicals, addressing the high costs associated with traditional skin cancer treatments. He designed his soap to be safe and easy to use at home.
Moving to the U.S. at age four, his curiosity about science was clear early on. “I remember fondly coding up different games or creating something with circuits during my free time in elementary school.” He also loved to mix household chemicals to see what would happen. “My parents were always worried I’d blow the house up.” At school, Heman runs sprints in track and participates in Model UN.
His Invention
The Skin Cancer Treating Soap is a groundbreaking solution designed to fight melanoma. It integrates low-cost, cancer-fighting chemicals into a simple bar of soap. Heman Bekele’s innovative soap combines salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tretinoin, three powerful and proven skincare compounds. These ingredients work together to remove dead skin cells and soften the outer layers of the skin. They also reactivate immune cells to boost skin protection and immune responses. In addition, the soap contains Imiquimod, a medication known for its effectiveness against skin cancers. The bumpy texture of the soap enhances exfoliation and pore opening, allowing the active agents to penetrate the surface of the skin. The skin cells absorb the lipid-based nanoparticles which deliver the medicinal ingredients. Since the skin absorbs the ingredients while washing, they remain even after rinsing, providing continuous protection.
Heman spent months refining his idea. With guidance from a 3M project engineer, Deborah Isabelle, he transformed his concept into a working prototype. Deborah coached him on the processes of science and gave him tips for managing his project. She also helped him connect with other scientists, like biochemists, when he needed specialized knowledge. Heman says the way Deborah approached problems by breaking them down and organizing a solution inspired him. These 3M science mentorships are so valuable.
What’s next for Heman and his soap? Can it make cancer treatment affordable and widely accessible? SCTS needs more research and Heman plans to use part of his prize money for testing and development. Plastic surgeon Joseph Mele noted in his blog that “even proven topical chemotherapy agents like 5-Fluorouracil and Imiquimod” work best on superficial skin cancers.[1] He urges people to seek professional follow-up. Dr. Mele cautions that deep skin cancers still require surgery. He closes by saying, “On the other hand, if a $10 bar of soap can eliminate even a small percentage of skin cancers, the potential savings in cost, time and anxiety is well worth it.” Heman’s SCTS shows great promise as a valuable addition to skin cancer treatment, making healthcare more accessible and equitable.
When approved by the FDA, Heman hopes to bring his soap to market by 2028. Heman plans to establish a nonprofit to distribute his soap to underserved communities. His cancer fighting soap proves that age is no barrier to innovation. Winning the YSC “showed me that my ideas could actually be heard and that I could make an impact on this world.”
[1] [https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/cancer-fighting-soap-wins-heman-bekele-the-young-scientist-challenge/]
Interested in reading about more young inventors like Heman? Check out my book Teen Innovators: Nine Young People Engineering a Better World with Creative Inventions