August 5, 2025
K-State Extension Partners with Masonic Cancer Alliance to Expand Cancer Education Resources
Kansas State University is partnering with the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA), the outreach network of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, to strengthen cancer-related education and support for communities across the state.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Kansas and is increasingly understood as a chronic disease. It often requires ongoing care, survivorship resources, and long-term prevention strategies beyond initial treatment. Through this new collaboration, K-State Extension and MCA will work together to expand access to cancer education tools and enhance community support by incorporating cancer prevention and survivorship materials into the PEARS Chronic Disease Action Plan beginning October 1.
This partnership combines MCA’s cancer expertise and educational resources with K-State Extension’s deep reach into local communities. Combining strengths, the initiative aims to improve cancer awareness, prevention, and survivorship support across Kansas. MCA also plans to launch mobile cancer screening services later, further increasing access to early detection in under-served areas.
To support this work, the Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Program Focus Team and MCA will host a virtual informational session for Extension professionals on September 3 from 2:00-3:00 pm. This session will introduce MCA’s Programs in cancer prevention, screening and survivorship. MCA will provide a brief overview of education opportunities and community resources such as the cancer survivorship manual. Participants will explore integrating these tools into the Chronic Disease Action Plan and evaluation efforts to address cancer-related needs in their communities better. Register for session.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to improving cancer education, survivorship care, and health equity across Kansas. It also supports K-State’s Opportunity Agenda by advancing community health and well-being, addressing health disparities, and strengthening local capacity to support resilient, thriving communities.
For more information about the session, contact Priscilla Brenes at pbrenes@ksu.edu.