Environmental factors, which include diet and other lifestyle factors, are known to be involved in the etiology of most cancers. The aims of the CEMC are to define the step-wise molecular and cellular alterations that occur during the process of carcinogenesis; determine how environmental exposures cause key genetic mutations and epigenetic changes that underlie carcinogenesis; and discover the impact of environmental factors on the generation and maintenance of cancer stem cells. This center fosters collaborations among researchers at MD Anderson Smithville, in Houston and with other instutions in central Texas to reach the goal of understanding how environmental exposures influence cancer outcomes in the human population by identifying new targets and strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. 

Historically, funds provided to support the CEMC have been used to establish, maintain, and enhance state-of-art shared resources. For example resources that aid in the development of animal models. Such animals are critical to identify and verify new targets for the prevention of cancer. The findings discovered in animal models are translated into preclinical mechanism-driven prevention studies that will ultimately inform epidemiologic studies and lead to clinical trials in humans. A grant program will be developed to support innovative pilot projects involving collaborative research. An enrichment program will provide value-added activities that will foster interaction and collaboration among CEMC members and MD Anderson faculty members. The CEMC has also supported the Lost Pines Conference over the last several years.