Cancer Risk Education in Schools for Youth and Families (CARES4You) is a National Cancer Institute-funded research program that equips middle school students with the knowledge and skills to reduce cancer risk through science education, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and community engagement.

Developed by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine in partnership with educators and community collaborators, the standards-aligned curriculum integrates cancer biology, genetics, environmental health, nutrition, biotechnology, and cancer prevention into classroom learning. Students participate in hands-on laboratory investigations, family-based learning activities, and an immersive STEM Day at Weill Cornell Medicine, where they engage with scientists and clinicians and explore biomedical research environments. The program is currently being evaluated in New York City public middle schools to determine its impact on cancer prevention knowledge, health behaviors, household communication, and interest in STEM careers.