Assessment of Cancer Survivor Apps

Introduction to Cancer Survivor Apps

Recent research has focused on evaluating the variety and quantity of applications designed for cancer survivors. In an era dominated by technology and mobile devices, numerous innovative developers have emerged, creating specialized apps for this demographic. In 2017 alone, the health app market boasted approximately 318,000 apps, with around 200 new health apps launching daily.

Research Overview

A team from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Aberdeen in the UK conducted a scoping review to identify cancer survivor apps available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. This type of review aims to catalog these apps and categorize them accordingly.

Methodology of the Review

To locate relevant apps, researchers searched both app stores using terms such as “cancer,” “cancer survivor,” and “cancer survivorship.” The scope of the review excluded apps that were not in English, those focused on awareness (like mole-checking for skin cancer), and apps related to diets or recipes. Only apps specifically designed for cancer patients or survivors were included in the study.

Given the dynamic nature of the Apple App Store, the researchers limited their review to the first 500 search results. Due to restrictions on exporting results, the lead researcher manually reviewed the descriptions of these apps to determine applicability, followed by a secondary review from another team member for validation.

Analysis of App Features

The research team analyzed the selected apps to extract various details, including the app’s source (non-profit organization, charity, academic, or commercial), the type of cancer addressed, origin country, cost, download count (available only on Google Play), user ratings, and the presence of scientific backing.

Results of the Review

Out of 1,265 apps reviewed, 151 were included in the final analysis. A significant portion (58.9%) of these apps catered to all types of cancer rather than focusing on a specific type. Apps dedicated to breast cancer constituted 14.6% of the total. The primary themes identified among the apps included fighting for life, navigating the cancer journey, and empowering users.

Content Groupings for Apps

The app content was categorized into five main groups:
1. Information about cancer
2. Managing cancer care
3. Adjusting to life with or after cancer
4. Feedback for cancer management
5. Managing personal relationships

Scientific Basis of Apps

Approximately one-third (33.8%) of the apps were developed with input from scientific or clinical research. Some apps raised concerns among researchers regarding potential exploitation. To address this, a Four D’s checklist was created to evaluate apps based on their utility, design, developer credibility, and data collection practices.

Future Research Directions

The researchers are interested in further investigating the potential benefits of these apps for cancer survivors in clinical contexts. Their study highlights the availability of numerous apps that could offer significant support to cancer survivors.

Conclusion

This research underscores the diverse landscape of apps available for cancer survivors, which may provide valuable resources during their recovery journey.

References

Written by Rebecca K. Blankenship, B.Sc.
Reference: Adam R, McMichael D, Powell D, et al. Publicly available apps for cancer survivors: a scoping review, BMJ Open 2019;9:e032510. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032510.
Image by Pexels from Pixabay.