Rice University

Understanding Cancer: Anti-Cancer Living

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Rice University

Understanding Cancer: Anti-Cancer Living

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Describe six interconnected areas of the Anticancer Lifestyle and how they relate to health and well-being.

  • Explore evidence-informed approaches to social support, stress, sleep, physical activity, diet, and environmental health.

  • Develop a personal Anticancer Lifestyle plan that reflects your needs, circumstances, and well-being goals.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

November 2026

Assessments

15 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Understanding Cancer: Biology, Stress, and Healthy Living Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 3 modules in this course

Welcome to a course that brings together health, everyday life, and the human experience of cancer. In this first module, you will be introduced to Anti-Cancer Living, an integrative approach to health and well-being that explores six interconnected areas: social support, stress management, sleep, physical activity and exercise, diet, and avoiding unnecessary environmental exposures. You will begin by considering how these areas can influence one another and work together, rather than viewing each aspect of health separately. This foundation will help you explore each area in greater depth as you move through the course. You will also hear directly from cancer survivor, journalist, and advocate Loriana Hernández-Aldama, whose experiences offer another perspective on cancer care, self-advocacy, support, access, and survivorship. Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to reflect on what you are learning and use your Workbook to consider these ideas in the context of your own life.

What's included

3 videos5 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts

Now it is time to take a closer look at the six areas of Anti-Cancer Living. In this module, you will explore social support, stress management, sleep, physical activity and exercise, diet, and avoiding unnecessary environmental exposures. As you move through each topic, you will consider not only the individual area, but also how different parts of our lives can connect with and influence one another. You will also have opportunities to pause, reflect, and use your workbook to consider your own starting point, recognize areas of strength, and identify areas you may want to think about further. The goal is not to create a checklist, but to develop greater awareness of the different pieces and how they can fit together.

What's included

6 videos2 readings7 assignments1 discussion prompt

What might we understand differently about cancer care when we listen to the person behind the diagnosis? In this final module, Loriana Hernández-Aldama shares experiences that have shaped her perspective as a patient, survivor, journalist, and advocate. Through her story, you will explore cancer care beyond medical treatment alone, including preparation, communication, self-advocacy, access to care, survivorship, and the importance of having people who can provide different kinds of support. You will also consider how people's circumstances, resources, and opportunities can shape their experiences of care. Loriana's story brings the course back to the person at the center of it all and invites you to consider what it means to see and support the whole person.

What's included

5 videos2 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt

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Instructor

Dr. Daniel C. Hughes, PhD
Rice University
3 Courses6 learners

Offered by

Rice University

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