Explore cancer biology through survivor and caregiver perspectives
Understanding Cancer is a three-course online specialization that brings together cancer biology, research on stress and cancer, cancer survivorship and the Anticancer Lifestyle. Rice faculty introduce the research, while survivors and caregivers share experiences with diagnosis, treatment, advocacy, support and living with cancer. Throughout the specialization, survivorship begins at diagnosis, and personal stories show how cancer affects individuals, families and communities.
You’ll examine how cancer develops and behaves; how cancer risk factors, screening and treatment fit within the cancer continuum; and how different forms of stress affect the body. You’ll also explore approaches to social support, stress management, sleep, physical activity, diet and environmental health.
Whether you’re navigating cancer yourself or supporting someone you care about, this specialization can help you understand the science, ask informed questions, advocate for your needs and find meaningful ways to connect with support and community.
Who is the Understanding Cancer specialization for?
- People affected by cancer, including survivors from diagnosis onward, caregivers, families and community members seeking an accessible and welcoming learning experience
- Healthcare professionals and students seeking a broader understanding of cancer biology, stress and cancer survivorship
- Lifelong learners interested in evidence-informed approaches to health, well-being and the Anticancer Lifestyle
What will you learn about cancer, stress and the Anticancer Lifestyle?
- Explain cancer biology, cancer risk factors, screening, treatment and cancer survivorship across the cancer continuum
- Compare acute and chronic stress responses and examine how different forms of stress affect the body
- Explore evidence-informed Anticancer Lifestyle practices that support well-being, self-advocacy and social connection
How is the Understanding Cancer specialization organized?
The Understanding Cancer specialization follows a three-course learning path connected by survivor and caregiver experiences. You’ll begin with cancer biology, cancer risk factors and cancer survivorship from diagnosis onward; examine how different forms of stress affect the body; and then explore the Anticancer Lifestyle as an evidence-informed, whole-person approach to well-being. No previous medical or scientific background is required.
Course 1: Understanding Cancer: Biology, Risk Factors, and Survivorship
Begin with an accessible introduction to cancer fundamentals and cancer biology. You’ll learn how normal and cancer cells differ, examine the characteristics that enable cancer to develop and progress, and consider cancer risk factors, incidence and mortality. The course considers cancer prevention, screening, classification and treatment within the cancer continuum, and frames cancer survivorship from diagnosis onward. Survivor interviews connect the science to lived experience, self-advocacy and support.
In this course, you’ll:
- Explain foundational cancer terminology and risk factors.
- Describe how cancer cells develop and behave.
- Connect diagnosis, screening, treatment and survivorship across the cancer continuum.
Course 2: Understanding Cancer: How Stress Affects the Body
Explore how the human stress response works across different kinds of stress, including acute and chronic stress. You’ll examine how perception, personal history, social conditions and environmental factors can shape a stress response, and consider research on stress and cancer and the effects of chronic stress on the body. Survivor and caregiver interviews bring in lived experiences of stress, coping, social support and community.
In this course, you’ll:
- Explain the purpose and physiology of the human stress response.
- Compare acute and chronic stress and the factors that shape individual responses.
- Examine how stress, weathering and social conditions may affect health.
Course 3: Understanding Cancer: Building an Anticancer Lifestyle
Explore the course’s Anticancer Lifestyle framework, an evidence-informed, whole-person approach to health and well-being. You’ll consider how social support, stress management, sleep, physical activity, diet and environmental health work together, then reflect on which practices are meaningful in your own context. Survivor and caregiver interviews highlight preparation, self-advocacy and supportive connections. The course does not suggest that lifestyle choices can prevent cancer or guarantee a health outcome.
In this course, you’ll:
- Describe six interconnected areas that support health and well-being.
- Identify Anticancer Lifestyle practices that support well-being.
- Develop a personal Anticancer Lifestyle and stress-management plan.
PREVIEW THE UNDERSTANDING CANCER LEARNING EXPERIENCE
LEARN FROM RICE UNIVERSITY FACULTY
Rice University Faculty
Instructor biographies pending confirmation for the final Coursera and Rice Online pages.
Explore the Understanding Cancer courses
Understanding Cancer: Biology, Risk Factors, and Survivorship
LEARN MOREUnderstanding Cancer: How Stress Affects the Body
LEARN MOREUnderstanding Cancer: Building an Anticancer Lifestyle
LEARN MORECONTACT
Any questions? Please e-mail riceonline@rice.edu
CONTACT
Any questions? Please e-mail riceonline@rice.edu