In addition to standard HTML web pages, our websites sometimes contain other file formats. You may need additional software or browser plug-ins to view some of the information available on our sites. The following lists show each format, along with links to the corresponding freely available plug-ins or viewers.
Documents
Adobe Acrobat Reader (.pdf)
If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat, you can download Acrobat Reader for free (Windows and Macintosh). PDF files can also be viewed on smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. Instructions for doing this are device specific so check the documentation for your device.
Microsoft Word and 
Corel WordPerfect (.doc, .wpd)
If you do not already have Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect, you can download Word Viewer for free (Windows).
Microsoft Excel (.xls)
If you do not already have Microsoft Excel, you can download Excel Viewer for free (Windows).
Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt)
If you do not already have Microsoft PowerPoint, you can download PowerPoint Viewer for free (Windows).
E-Book (.epub)
If you are downloading a Cancer.gov e-book while on an e-book reader device, the document will open automatically. If you are on a smartphone or tablet, you will need a mobile e-reader app. If you are on a desktop using a standard browser such as Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Firefox, one option for reading an e-book on your computer is the free software, Adobe Digital Editions (Windows and Macintosh).
Multimedia
Microsoft Windows Media Player (.wmv, .avi, .mpg, .mpeg, .mp3, .mp4, .m4v, .m4a)
If you do not already have Windows Media, you can download Windows Media Player or Windows Media Components for Macintosh for free:
Apple QuickTime (.mov, .mpg, .mpeg, .aif, .mp3, .m4p, .m4v, .m4a)
If you do not already have QuickTime, you can download QuickTime Player for free (Windows and Macintosh).
RealPlayer (.ra, .rm, .ram)
If you do not already have RealPlayer, you can download RealPlayer for free:
Adobe Flash Player (.swf)
If you do not already have Adobe Flash, you can download Adobe Flash Player for free (Windows and Macintosh).
Compressed Files
Zip Compressed Files
Windows XP and Windows Vista have a zip compression utility built into the operating system. If you are using a Macintosh or running an older Windows operating system and do not already have a compression program such as WinZip, you can download a free 21-day trial version of WinZip (Windows) or download a similar compression program:
Back to Top
