Smart phones have redefined the way people conduct daily activities. Parents with potty training children use apps to quickly find the nearest public restrooms when their tiny tots have to go right now. Bargain shoppers can use phones to scan a product in one store and see how the price compares to the same product in other stores nearby. And now breast cancer patients can do everything from have an attractive man walk them through a self-breast exam, keep mammogram appointments, receive virtual support from breast cancer groups, and get information specific to one’s personal cancer stage all through the 100 plus apps to be found in relation to breast cancer.
Clearly no phone or computer can take the place of a doctor, but having extra information and tools readily available is a major asset for the patients and supporters dealing with breast cancer. Cancer patients who previously may have felt alone after getting such a diagnosis can turn to My Breast Cancer Team, also named My BC Team, for a virtual support group of patients and survivors. The free app works with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad with iOS 3.0 or later. Users can provide updates, daily triumphs or challenges, post photos, and even give and receive instant hugs. Many women dealing with breast cancer find it helpful to talk with others going through the same thing, and survivors know the importance of sharing their happy outcomes.
Top Breast Cancer iOS Apps
One of the most important tools in the ongoing breast cancer battle is to perform self-exams and get annual mammograms so that any problems can be addressed in the earliest possible stage. There are numerous apps that guide users through performing self-exams.
Breast Self Exam ($0.99)
Developed by physicians to not only lead women through a self-exam, but allow them to record any findings or concerns from the self-exam so they can be discussed at the next doctor’s visit. Also, users can record a personal history of breast exams. Your Man Reminder is a free app that makes the routine self-exam a bit more exciting by allowing users to select one of six good looking men to provide reminders for exams and doctor’s appointments. It also keeps track of personal exam history, explains signs and symptoms, breaks down the breast exam basics, and makes notes of any questions for the next doctor’s visit.
Breast Cancer Glossary
A free app compatible iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, it takes the mystery out of medical terms by providing definitions and details. Any information found with this app can be shared on Facebook to continue the cycle of learning. Chemo Calendar, also a free app, keeps all the necessary information organized in one central place that can easily be emailed to doctors or caregivers. It features a blood cell count recorder, symptom tracker, medication reminder, and calendar to help with appointments and other daily events.
iEat for Life: Breast Cancer
Provides users with a run down on the foods nutritionists find to help prevent and heal breast cancer, as well as those to avoid. It sells for $2.99 and includes recipes tailored to specific mealtimes of more exotic foods, suggestions for storing and preparing, and where to buy some of the more unusual foods.
These breast cancer apps are just the beginning of what is available for breast cancer patients and their support teams thanks to the rapidly expanding app choices. There are ones that allow users to download pink ribbon wall papers to their phones, display inspirational quotes, get involved in breast cancer events, find a nearby doctor for a mammogram, and loads more. Cancer can be overwhelming at times, but with all these resources literally at one’s fingertips hopefully it will be a bit more manageable.
Scott Johnson writes tech and gadget articles for a variety of clients such as Protectyourbubble.com iPhone 5 insurance company.
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