Childhood Cancer Data Initiative Annual Symposium (Abstract Registration): Submission #78

Abstract: As one of the tools in the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative’s (CCDI) data ecosystem, the National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR), provides comprehensive, high-value data resources critical for advancing childhood cancer research. NCCR is undertaking a strategic initiative to broaden its user base. We are developing and piloting a suite of educational materials designed to increase effective engagement with NCCR data products. Initial consultation with graduate-level educators revealed strong interest in accessible childhood cancer data resources for use in workshops, graduate courses, and clinician-researcher training. In response, we convened an interdisciplinary NCCR Educational Materials Working Group (EDWG) comprised of experienced instructors from leading institutions, NCCR subject matter experts, and NCI project managers. The EDWG is creating a modular instructional unit featuring customizable session formats, student handouts, grading rubrics, data access instructions, compliance tools, case studies, exams, and introductory video content.

These materials will be piloted in academic courses and professional workshops. Feedback from students will be collected by professors, and professors will guide refinement of materials before broader dissemination to schools of public health, medicine, epidemiology, and health services research, as well as cancer centers and relevant professional organizations. This effort may be a model for other efforts to increase the user base of CCDI tools and platforms. By expanding access to high-quality training resources, this initiative aims to strengthen data literacy, foster greater engagement with NCCR, and support research capacity-building across the childhood cancer research community.