Two versions of the continuing education course “Cancer and the Environment What You Need to Know. What You Can Do” are available.

• The HTML version www.atsdr.cdc.gov/risk/cancer/ provides content through the Internet, and offers interactive exercises and prescriptive feedback to the user.
• The downloadable PDF [4.71 MB] version provides content in an electronic, printable format, especially for those who may lack adequate Internet service.

You can also download the original NCI and NIEHS version [PDF - 615 KB]. This document comes with a tutorial in the form of a PowerPoint presentation [14.9 MB].

To make the most effective use of this course:

• Take the Initial Check to assess your current knowledge about the role of the environment on cancer.
• Read the title, learning objectives, text, and key points in each section.
• Complete the progress check exercises at the end of each section and check your answers.
• Complete the posttest.

This course is designed to help you learn efficiently. Topics are clearly labeled so that you can skip sections or quickly scan familiar content. The format will also allow you to use this training material as a handy reference. To help you identify and absorb important content quickly, each section is structured as follows.

Title

Serves as a “focus question” that you should be able to answer after completing the section

Learning Objectives

Describes specific content addressed in each section and focuses your attention on important points

Text

Provides the information you need to answer the focus question(s) and achieve the learning objectives

Key Points

Highlights important issues and helps you review

Progress Check

Enables you to test yourself to determine whether you have mastered the learning objectives

Answers

Provide feedback to ensure you understand the content and can locate information in the text.

What causes cancer?

• Describe factors, both inside and outside the body, that contribute to the development of cancer.

The nature of cancer

• Describe how cancer starts.
• Describe types of tumors.

What substances in the environment are known to cause or are likely to cause cancer in humans? Where are they found?

• Identify substances in the environment known to cause or likely to cause cancer in humans.
• Identify where substances known to cause or likely to cause cancer in humans, are found.

What are some ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer?

• Describe some ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

What are some ways to detect cancer at an early stage?

• Explain some ways to detect cancer at an early stage.

How do scientists identify cancer-causing substances?

• Explain how scientists identify cancer-causing substances.

How do scientists decide which substances to test in animals, human laboratory cells, or human population studies?

• Explain how scientists decide which substances to test in
  • Animals,
  • Human laboratory cells, or
  • Human population studies.

What factors do scientists consider in determining the risk associated with different cancer-causing substances?

• Identify the factors scientists consider in determining the risk associated with different cancer-causing substances.

How do public health officials set acceptable exposure levels for environmental chemicals?

• Explain how public health officials set acceptable exposure levels for environmental chemicals.

How have cancer trends changed over the past few years?

• Describe changes in trends during the past few years of
  • Cancer incidence and
  • Mortality.