The complexities associated with managing the arduous process of being diagnosed with cancer, the treatment and recovery pathway are daunting for most people. It has given rise to a big mobile health market with apps that claim to support this patient population. I found 250 breast cancer apps in a quick search on Google’s app store for Android phones. But it’s also led to digital support services by companies , such as PatientsLikeMe, My Breast Cancer Team, I Had Cancer, and others.
Willowglade Technologies, an app developer, has produced a breast cancer app that partly serves as a guide to make it easier to navigate the treatment process, but also functions as a support network for breast cancer patients. The company, led by John Papandrea, is launching My Breast Cancer Journey on the iOS and Android networks.
It helps users track tests and treatments, but it also allows them to choose which information they want to share with friends and family. Users’ status is updated in realtime with medical test results and self assessments. It starts off with “suspicion” and goes through various stages of treatment through surveillance, when the cancer is in remission but may return. It also reminds users to update medical tests.
It seems like the breast cancer app market is getting a bit crowded — each of the latest support tools seem to share different features in common. Companies with similar apps include Navigating Cancer and My Breast Cancer Treatment Coach. Still, more than 220,000 women have breast cancer as of 2011, as do 2,078 men, and it’s the most common cause of cancer and second leading cause of death from cancer in women. So there’s plenty of room growth and maybe even collaboration.
It will be interesting to see how apps focused on cancer will seek to distinguish themselves and attract users as the market matures.
