Technology Helps Women Navigate Breast Cancer Recovery

Welcome to Part 2 of our National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Series. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing the latest in technology, recovery and prevention. This section focuses on how cutting edge-digital technology can either supplement the way a woman shares her breast cancer journey or lets her keep it to herself – for those who relish their privacy.

Technology increases knowledge

With more than 1 billion people worldwide using smartphone apps, mobile technology has dramatically changed the way people connect and learn. This past April alone, 56 billion apps were downloaded to smart phones, with another 14 billion downloaded to tablets. This amazing technology gives women with breast cancer more ways to engage.

Using smartphone apps, women with breast cancer can share the latest advancements with their support circle and help them navigate the sea of changes affecting their lives. For women more inclined to keep their journey private, a host of apps can help them stay informed and learn more about breast cancer. With such a variety of apps available, there truly is something for everyone.

Some apps keep women up to date on the latest breast cancer news and how to understand their diagnostic reports. Along with reminders for medication and self-exams, other apps offer more than just breast cancer content – they feature enjoyable games that help fund breast cancer awareness. Each woman can choose the apps that best fit her needs, however Healthline picked their best breast cancer apps of 2013. Here are some highlights:

• Beyond the Shock – gives women recently diagnosed with breast cancer a way to adjust to the news by engaging with breast cancer survivors.
• Med Help PRO – keeps track of upcoming appointments, health conditions and side effects of breast cancer medication.
• Bliss HD+ – might not offer breast cancer content, but provides hours of amusement and an option to donate a percentage of the purchase price – and the points scored – to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
• iEat for Life: Breast Cancer – features nutritional values and cooking tips that give women plenty of energy to heal from breast cancer.

While sharing information and tips about breast cancer can help with a woman’s breast cancer journey, so do the nutrients she puts into her body. In the upcoming Part 3 of our series, women can learn how to be especially mindful of their food choices during breast cancer recovery.