Edutainment As a Means of Cancer Awareness Creation

Background: The burden of cancer globally is on the increase and late stage diagnosis is a major challenge in many developing countries, which is partly due to lack of awareness among the population. Research and studies on cancer have been made over generations. The challenge however is the mode of dissemination as the majority of the population, more so the uneducated have a poor reading culture coupled with negative mind set about the facts on cancer thus making traditional cancer awareness medium limited in nature. Aim: It was under such understanding that a group of artist established Friends Crew Africa (FCA) to empower communities through raising awareness and advocacy using creative arts through edutainment to increase on cancer awareness to contribute toward the reduction of the burden of cancer in Uganda. Strategies: FCA adopts and uses multimedia information, education and communication (IEC) interventions including developing music, films, drama and live performances during events, community dialogues, the print and electronic media to carry out comprehensive cancer awareness programs for different target groups. Outcome: FCA has successful disseminated the developed/adapted IEC cancer awareness materials/content like music, films, drama, cancer magazine and brochures on local and international platform like World Cancer Day and community outreaches creating chances for the communities to be informed about cancer and interact with cancer service providers. Conclusion: Basing on the fact that entertainment attracts the attention of the majority; cancer awareness strategy that embeds edutainment stands higher chances of being adapted thus contributing to the reduction of cancer burden. FCA appeals to all organizations and the government to consider investing into edutainment as a means to increase on cancer awareness.