A Mayo Clinic cancer education staff person consults with a person about educational materials.

At Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, education is central to everything we do. We educate the public, patients and health care professionals on all aspects of cancer.

Cancer Education Program

The Cancer Education Program (CEP) was established in 1995 to address the education needs of patients with cancer and caregivers. It links the research and patient care endeavors of Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center to provide the best possible experience for each individual who comes through its doors.

The institutionally sanctioned and funded CEP within the Cancer Center is unique at Mayo Clinic. The institutional support demonstrates Mayo Clinic's recognition of the Cancer Center's role in addressing all aspects of cancer care.

The mission of the CEP is to educate all audiences on cancer-related issues, including prevention, risks, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. The CEP offers educational programs, classes and support to patients with cancer, their caregivers, staff and the public at all three Mayo Clinic sites.

The CEP also includes patient navigators, who can assist patients and families with educational resource and referral needs. Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center partners with others in the cancer community to address mutual cancer-related goals.

Cancer Patient Education Network (CPEN)

The Cancer Patient Education Network is a group of health care professionals who share experiences and best practices in all aspects of cancer education for patients. The mission of CPEN is to promote and provide models of excellence in patient, family and community education.

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center is a founding supporter of CPEN, which collaborates with the National Cancer Institute's Office of Education and Special Initiatives.

Minnesota Cancer Alliance

Staff members from the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center have collaborated with representatives across Minnesota in creating the state's first comprehensive cancer control plan, "Cancer Plan Minnesota." The plan is a framework for action that seeks to reduce the burden of cancer among Minnesotans. The plan is being implemented by the Minnesota Cancer Alliance, a voluntary association of health care organizations, community groups and advocates that offers free membership to any organization or individual interested in reducing the state's cancer burden.

Book: Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health, 3rd Edition

Answers to questions about prostate enlargement, inflammation and cancer

Prostate problems are among the most common reasons men see their doctors. That's because with age most men experience some type of prostate problem — enlargement, inflammation or cancer. Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health, 3rd Edition is an easy-to-read yet comprehensive guide to preventing, understanding, treating and living with prostate disease.

Prostate disease, including prostate cancer, often can be easily treated and even prevented. This book is an essential resource for every man, it explains how to maintain better prostate health, and how to evaluate treatment options when disease occurs. Prostate concerns often start out with changes in patterns of urination, difficulty with sexual function, or worry over hormone levels. Fortunately, the outlook for management, cure and survival of prostate disease is better now than ever before.

Topics covered in this updated edition include:

  • The debate over PSA testing
  • Advances in imaging technology
  • Therapies for prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Treatment options for prostate cancer
  • Developments in prostate cancer research, and management of treatment side effects, including incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

Order your copy: Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health

Online Courses

Nutrition During Cancer Treatment

This education is designed for people with cancer and their caregivers. Each module provides tips to cope with possible nutritional side effects of cancer treatment while working to maintain healthy eating habits.

Stress Management for Cancer

This education series is designed for patients and caregivers. The goal is to work through these modules in order to better understand how the body may respond to stressful situations, including cancer. You will also be provided with various tools and techniques to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, as you learn to manage stress.