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A systematic review of m-health apps on managing side effects of breast cancer treatment

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Abstract

Purpose

After breast cancer treatment, women with breast cancer may experience distress caused by treatment side effects, both in physical and psychological aspects. Technology use is increasing in favor among women. Therefore, it is essential to update the scientific evidence regarding mobile and web apps’ effectiveness in managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments for breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of mobile and web apps in managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments among this group.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Published papers in English focused on mobile and web apps and the side effects of breast cancer treatment in breast cancer survivors were selected. The search reviewed studies from January 2011 to December 2021. From a total of 925 retrieved manuscripts, 11 studies were included for analysis.

Results

The findings showed that mobile apps were more frequently used and more likely to be an effective method for managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment among breast cancer survivors. The content in web or mobile apps for breast cancer survivors should include five categories: (1) information about cancer, (2) overview of cancer care, (3) opportunities for interaction with other people, (4) symptom management strategies, and (5) feedback about cancer treatment side effect management. However, a few studies examined the effects of a combination of mobile and web apps in managing breast cancer treatment side effects. Therefore, future research is needed to examine solo and combination use. In addition, more rigorous studies are warranted to examine these interventions.

Conclusions

Nurses may refer survivors to these resources to obtain more information and effectively manage the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and its treatment side effects.

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Funding

Boromarajonani College of Nursing Buddhachinaraj, Faculty of Nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Boromarajonani College of Nursing Buddhachinaraj, Faculty of Nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Phitsanulok, Thailand

    Ausanee Wanchai

  2. Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    Elizabeth A. Anderson & Jane M. Armer

  3. American Lymphedema Framework Project, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    Jane M. Armer

Authors
  1. Ausanee Wanchai
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  2. Elizabeth A. Anderson
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  3. Jane M. Armer
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study’s conception and design. Ausanee Wanchai had the idea for the article, performed the literature search and data analysis, and drafted the work. Jane M. Armer performed the data analysis and critically revised the work. Elizabeth A. Anderson served as the third reviewer and critically reviewed the revised manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Ausanee Wanchai.

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Wanchai, A., Anderson, E.A. & Armer, J.M. A systematic review of m-health apps on managing side effects of breast cancer treatment. Support Care Cancer 31, 86 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07464-x

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