Cancer apps

There are a number of apps in the app stores to support people with cancer and their caregivers. Some apps focus on cancer in general, while others are for a specific type of cancer, such as breast cancer or skin cancer.

When considering an app, start by assessing the main purpose of the app. The purpose of cancer apps can be broadly categorised as follows:

• Disease management – information and practical tools to deal with the medical, behavioural or emotional aspects of cancer. For example, these apps can help you track symptoms, side effects, treatments and chronic pain; help you plan and organise your care; provide tips for managing symptoms; set alarms so you remember your medication and so on.
• Disease and treatment information – information about disease or treatment options, including a glossary of cancer terms.
• Educational – general information and tools to raise public recognition of cancer as a societal problem that includes descriptions and statistics.
• Fundraising – tools to attract financial resources.
• Prevention – information and practical tools to avoid cancer, including the recurrence of cancer.
• Early detection – information and tools to help you identify cancer before symptoms or signs emerge. These apps promote self-examination, such as breast self-examination and mole/skin check apps.
• Support – access to peer or professional assistance, including information/photo sharing eg, apps that can connect you with health providers, share medical records and support sharing updates on social media.