Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment for Kids: Introducing Statue Quest
In a significant step towards improving the experience of young cancer patients, Leo Cancer Care and Xploro have launched a unique interactive game called
Statue Quest. This innovative tool aims to support children facing radiation therapy, a daunting journey that many young patients endure. With approximately 400,000 young individuals diagnosed with cancer each year, creating effective outreach methods to ease their fears and uncertainties is of utmost importance.
Understanding the Challenge
For children diagnosed with cancer, the process of treatment can be particularly overwhelming. Anxiety associated with medical procedures often compounds their distress, making every step of the journey feel monumental. Leo Cancer Care, known for its pioneering upright radiation therapy solutions, identified the necessity for a supportive resource that could alleviate the emotional burden of these experiences. Their collaboration with Xploro, a company that specializes in patient education, has birthed
Statue Quest—a fun and educational game designed specifically for children preparing for radiation therapy.
The Concept Behind Statue Quest
Statue Quest transports players into a vibrant jungle setting where they guide
Leo the Lion, a friendly character designed to reassure and engage. The primary objective of the game is to navigate through obstacles, collect statue pieces, and mimic various poses—each aligning with the stillness required during actual radiation treatments. This gamification approach not only provides entertainment but also facilitates essential practice for young patients, encouraging them to develop mindfulness, confidence, and emotional stability.
As players progress through the game, they unlock valuable short facts about radiation therapy, gradually familiarizing them with what their treatment journey will entail.
Statue Quest therefore acts as both a playful escape and a learning platform, making the concept of radiation therapy more approachable.
Kate Yip, Clinical Engagement Manager at Leo Cancer Care, emphasized the mission underlying this initiative: "Our aim is to make cancer treatment more human. By integrating storytelling with fun gameplay, we want children to feel informed and empowered, transforming the potentially scary experience of radiation therapies into something they can engage with positively."
The Impact of Patient-Centric Design
Dominic Raban, Co-Founder and CEO of Xploro, shared similar sentiments, stating, "Xploro exists to help children feel less anxious and more in control of their healthcare. By collaborating with Leo Cancer Care, we illustrate how empathy-driven design and tech innovation can enhance the preparation process for radiation therapy, making it engaging and even enjoyable."
Statue Quest encourages children and their families to embrace their journey, fostering a sense of control over their treatment experience while reducing anxiety. It positions itself as a pioneering educational intervention in pediatric oncology care.
Future Prospects and Availability
The grand unveiling of
Statue Quest is scheduled for the
67th ASTRO Oncology Conference in San Francisco, where attendees can download the app and experience the game firsthand at booth 2325. Though the technology behind Leo Cancer Care’s upright solutions is still undergoing development, Statue Quest stands as a testament to what lies ahead for children's cancer care.
In conclusion,
Statue Quest exemplifies a groundbreaking approach that blends play with education, aiming to improve the treatment experience for young cancer patients. As more children are diagnosed each year, the importance of innovative and empathetic solutions like this cannot be understated. Through advancing education and engagement, we can look forward to a future where the young warriors battling cancer feel not only cared for but also empowered.