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New web app from the Medical Center - University of Freiburg facilitates child-friendly understanding of cancer in the family

When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, many families face the challenge of explaining the disease and treatment options to children in a gentle and understandable way. The web app "Loni's Space Journey" was developed to support them in this. It was created in a joint effort by professors and students at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and the "Tigerherz ... wenn Eltern Krebs haben" (Tiger Heart ... when parents have cancer) program at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - University of Freiburg CCCF. The free application explains surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in an age-appropriate way in a protected digital environment.

"Children want to understand what cancer means for their family. The app provides understandable and reliable information," says Dr. Stefanie Pietsch, psycho-oncologist and academic staff member at the Cancer Counseling Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - CCCF of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "It is important to us to enable families to talk openly with each other - honestly, in a child-friendly way and without overwhelming them."

Interactive learning world facilitates conversations within the family

The web app is aimed at children between the ages of five and nine and guides them through various fantasy planets on which protagonist Loni explores different aspects of the disease and treatment. With clear pictures, simple explanations and interactive elements, the application helps children to better understand the situation. Parents and children can use the content together, clarify questions and discuss feelings. The app was developed in close collaboration between scientists, psycho-oncologists, computer scientists and designers and tested in a pilot study.

Tigerheart ... when parents have cancer

The "Tigerheart ... when parents have cancer" service at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - CCCF of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg supports families in which one parent has cancer. The focus is on strengthening the entire family with a special focus on the children. In individual or group sessions, children and young people are given space to express their fears, thoughts and feelings. One highlight is the vacation program, which gives Tigerherz children the opportunity to have carefree experiences in a protected environment. The program is also aimed at sick parents, relatives, professionals and other interested parties. All offers are free of charge.

Image: "Loni's Space Journey" introduces children to the most important aspects of cancer in a protected digital environment.

Image source: Mockuuup Studio: https://mockuuups.studio/