Hospitals are turning to apps to help patients with breast cancer manage their conditions from home and, in some cases, feed critical information back to physicians. Currently in pilot stages, these apps are being tested in select medical facilities.

A pain management app called ePAL allows patients to document side effects from cancer medications. Patients can also request medication refills and access educational videos and supportive messages from their care team. Developed by Massachusetts General Hospital, the app alerts clinical care staff if a patient’s reported pain approaches a crisis level.

Patients can manage their own diagnosis information and treatment instructions through the Breast Cancer Ally app. Users receive daily reminders about their prescribed regime, complete with diagrams for post-surgery exercises. Patients can access information about every stage of treatment, from chemotherapy to reconstructive surgery. Developed by the University of Michigan, the app also offers guidance about when to consult a doctor.

An app developed by QoC Health for the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto aims to prevent postoperative complications after discharge from the hospital. Patients answer questions and take pictures of their incision site, and the app sends doctors a list of patients who are in need of care. Currently in a randomized trial, preliminary results suggest the app helps reduce
in-person visits.