MD Anderson Cancer Center offers free community outreach programs that engage people in our mission to end cancer. Our programs teach people ways to reduce their risk, help students learn about careers in health care, and educate patients and families about their cancer care.
All programs and materials are free. To make a request, please complete the Community Services form. Presentations are available in-person at your location and on virtual platforms such as Zoom.
Programs for adults
9 Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Up to 50 percent of cancer cases in the United States could be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Learn more about how healthy choices and regular screening exams can protect you against cancer.
Breaking Down Barriers: What Black Women Should Know About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but Black women die from it more often than others. Join us to learn how to advocate for your health so you get the best care possible. You’ll also learn about mammograms, signs and symptoms, and what you can do to reduce your risk.
Breast Cancer: Learn How to Reduce Your Risk
Learn what puts you at risk, how to reduce your risk and what screening exams you need to detect breast cancer early, when it's most treatable.
Cancer Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore
The signs of cancer can be vague and similar to symptoms of other illnesses. Learn what to watch out for, tests to find cancer early when it’s most treatable, and lifestyle changes that can lower your risk.
Colorectal Cancer: It's More Common Than You Think
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. Learn how to lower your risk and when to get screened. Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Get in the Driver’s Seat: Men’s Health Tips for the Win
Men have worse health outcomes than women in large part because they use health care less. Learn how preventive care can help men feel in control of their health, stay on track with cancer screening exams and know what symptoms to report to their doctor. Available in English and Spanish.
Healthy Weight, Healthy Life
Adopting healthy eating habits and being physically active are some of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight. And maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk for more than 10 types of cancer. Get tips and tools to help you eat better, be more active and monitor your weight.
How to Spot Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Being aware of how your skin looks and knowing how to spot changes is a great defense against skin cancer and melanoma. Our expert will provide the information you need to spot skin cancer and take action. Available in English and Spanish.
In The Spirit of Health
People who are Black or Hispanic are more likely to develop some cancers and more likely to die from them. Get cancer prevention and screening advice for use in your community place of worship. In The Spirit of Health includes quarterly resources such as testimonials, health tips, recipes and more, all tailored for faith-based organizations. Support your congregation by helping them reduce their risk for cancer. Learn more.
Six Cancers, One Vaccine: What You Should Know About HPV
HPV causes six cancers in males and females. The HPV vaccine, when given to boys and girls age 11-12, is the best protection against the virus that causes these cancers. Our expert can answer your questions about HPV-related cancers and the HPV vaccine. Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
The Truth About Tobacco and Vaping: What You Should Know
Cigarettes, JUULs and other electronic cigarettes are dangerous tobacco products that deliver addictive nicotine. Learn more about these products and how you can quit or help someone you know quit. Available in English and Spanish.
Your Health Matters: Eat Healthy Portions
Controlling portions is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight. And maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk for several cancers. Our expert provides tips and tools to help you manage portions. Your Health Matters is available as a series or individually. Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Your Health Matters: Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Making vegetables and fruit a big part of your diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your cancer risk. Our expert provides information on the benefits of a plant-based diet and tips and tools to help you eat more fruits and vegetables. Your Health Matters is available as a series or individually. Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Your Health Matters: Live an Active Lifestyle
Being physically active can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your cancer risk. Our expert provides information on the benefits of physical activity, and how to get more activity into your day. Your Health Matters is available as a series or individually. Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Your Health Matters: Understand and Prevent Cancer
Breast and colorectal cancers are among the most common in men and women. Our expert will help participants understand the risk factors and symptoms of each, and how to reduce your risk. Your Health Matters is available as a series or individually. Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Programs for kids, teens and young adults
Careers in Health Care
Health care organizations offer some of the most rewarding careers with roles stretching beyond medicine to research, technology, finance, media and communications, trades and more. This presentation provides an overview of the educational requirements and daily experience of varied health care careers to help students consider how they can leverage their skills and interests toward a future in this exciting field.
Too Cool to Smoke Puppet Show
It’s never too early for kids to learn about the dangers of tobacco. This program breaks down a complex subject in a fun and entertaining way for kids in kindergarten through 4th grade. The program addresses health education Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements at the elementary level.
The Truth About Tobacco and Vaping: What Preteens and Teens Should Know
E-cigarette use among preteens, teens and young adults is a major health concern. Cigarettes, JUULs and e-cigarettes are dangerous tobacco products that deliver addictive nicotine, which is harmful to developing brains. This presentation arms young people with the facts on nicotine, and tools to resist peer pressure. The program addresses health education Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements at the middle- and high-school levels.
Summer programs for high school and college students in the Houston area
Summer Experience Program
Hands-on experience is the backbone of a career in science and medicine. The MD Anderson Summer Experience introduces students to a research environment and provides the opportunity to explore careers in research and oncology. Each year, around 300 students are selected to join teams of experts across the institution to gain valuable insights to support their future professional lives.
Teen Volunteers
Volunteering offers students the chance to grow beyond the classroom and build skills crucial for their future. The MD Anderson Teen Volunteer Leadership in Cancer Care Program provides opportunities for young people ages 15–18 to support patients and their families in a hospital setting, gain exposure to a variety of health care careers, learn effective communication and improve leadership skills.
Programs for people who work with kids and teens
ASPIRE
ASPIRE is an online, interactive curriculum for middle- and high-school teachers to educate students on the dangers of tobacco products. The program is available in English and Spanish.
Sun safety education
Ray and the Sunbeatables and Be SunbeatableTM are sun-safety curricula to educate preschool through 5th grade students and their parents about sun protection and promote sun safety behaviors to reduce children’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.