P3.090: Illustrating Understanding: A Novel Approach to Pediatric Cancer Education at the Uganda Cancer Institute

Background: Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is the sole public cancer treatment facility in Uganda, a country with one of the highest incidences of pediatric cancer globally. UCI’s existing educational materials and outreach division consist of text-heavy materials designed for adult audiences. Due to high patient volumes, providers have limited capacity for physician-facilitated patient education, resulting in the absence of formal educational initiatives for pediatric patients. To address this gap and enhance accessibility across Uganda’s 52 distinct languages, an image-based educational tool was developed.

Methods: A 30-page children’s book was created to convey key cancer-related concepts identified through discussions with patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers at UCI. The book covers topics such as the cellular basis of cancer, common symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis, treatment pathways, stigma reduction, and cancer prevention strategies. Illustrations were designed to reflect the local context, using a central analogy of cells disobeying roadside police checkpoints—a familiar sight throughout Uganda. The book is written in both English and Luganda (the primary language of central Uganda) and includes a quiz to reinforce learning. Materials were presented to over 40 UCI staff at a weekly Research in Progress meeting, followed by a 30-minute feedback session. Revisions were made based on stakeholder input. To assess comprehension, a focus group of primary school children aged 6–10 read the book aloud and reflected on their learning.

Results: Eighteen printed copies were distributed across five UCI-affiliated care settings, including the inpatient ward, outpatient clinic, and three local hostels for visiting patients and caregivers. The books provide opportunities for both self-directed education and structured weekly reading sessions led by ward, clinic, and outreach staff. Funding has been secured to print 500 additional copies, with plans for secondary school clubs to lead reading sessions at primary schools. To date, eight schools and over 50 secondary students have been initiated in the program, with a potential to reach over 238 schools in the existing Uganda Child Cancer Foundation network.

Conclusion: The children’s book makes key cancer topics accessible to audiences as young as six years old. The project has received widespread support from stakeholders, with numerous community members requesting copies of the book. The book provides opportunities for self-facilitated education in addition to its integration into UCI outreach efforts to ensure sustainable outreach. Notably, the book provides the key material necessary to support the cancer club program’s existing goal of expanding into primary schools. Partnerships are currently being explored to translate the book into six additional target languages to facilitate expansion to UCI’s four satellite campuses.