This study aimed to assess medical assistants' willingness to engage in patient education and counseling about cancer prevention and control. A questionnaire was mailed to 402 medical assistants living in Maryland in June 2006 to assess attitudes and practices about counseling and educating patients on cancer prevention and control topics. Findings reveal that medical assistants are engaging patients in discussions about cancer prevention, with diet/nutrition and exercise being most often discussed. Medical assistants are willing to counsel and educate patients on cancer prevention and control topics.