On the Need for Research-Tested Smartphone Applications for Reducing Exposures to Known or Suspected Breast Carcinogens in Work and Home Environments

Coughlin, Steven S.; Jacobs, Molly; Thind, Herpreet; Champagne, Nicole; Liu, Benyuan; Golden, Margo Simon; Osimo, Cheryl; Tracy, Natalicia; Massey, Rachel I.

doi:10.15436/2378-6841.15.e004

Cited by 13 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…With the same limitations acknowledged above, to date, the environmental health apps have not been tested for acceptability, feasibility, or effectiveness in randomized controlled trials. 55 …”

Section: Mhealth Apps and Wearable Devices For Cancer Prevention And mentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Media and Mobile Technology for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Prochaska

Coughlin

Lyons

2017

American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book

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OVERVIEW Given the number of lives affected by cancer and the great potential for optimizing well-being via lifestyle changes, patients, providers, health care systems, advocacy groups, and entrepreneurs are looking to digital solutions to enhance patient care and broaden prevention efforts. Thousands of health-oriented mobile websites and apps have been developed, with a majority focused upon lifestyle behaviors (e.g., exercise, diet, smoking). In this review, we consider the use and potential of social media and mHealth technologies for cancer prevention, cancer treatment, and survivorship. We identify key principles in research and practice, summarize prior reviews, and highlight notable case studies and patient resources. Further, with the potential for scaled delivery and broad reach, we consider application of social media and mHealth technologies in low-resource settings. With clear advantages for reach, social media and mHealth technologies offer the ability to scale and engage entire populations at low cost, develop supportive social networks, connect patients and providers, encourage adherence with cancer care, and collect vast quantities of data for advancing cancer research. Development efforts have been rapid and numerous, yet evaluation of intervention effects on behavior change and health outcomes are sorely needed, and regulation around data security issues is notably lacking. Attention to broader audiences is also needed, with targeted development for culturally diverse groups and non-English speakers. Further investment in research to build the evidence base and identify best practices will help delineate and actualize the potential of social media and mHealth technologies for cancer prevention and treatment.

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Section: Mhealth Apps and Wearable Devices For Cancer Prevention And mentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Media and Mobile Technology for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Prochaska

Coughlin

Lyons

2017

American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book

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“…Although many smartphone applications (apps) are available from major smartphone platforms (e.g., Android, iPhone, Windows phone) on breast cancer topics, few have been tested for acceptability or effectiveness (34,35). In addition, few of these apps are based on theories of health behavior change, most do not include evidence-based features such as self-monitoring and reinforcement, and existing apps often do not provide evidence-based recommendations for breast cancer risk reduction (32,34,36).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards research-tested smartphone applications for preventing breast cancer

Coughlin

Thind

Liu

et al. 2016

mHealth

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Efforts to prevent breast cancer and other chronic illnesses have focused on promoting physical activity, healthy diet and nutrition, and avoidance of excessive alcohol consumption. Smartphone applications (apps) offer a low-cost, effective strategy for breast cancer prevention in women through behavioral change. However, there are currently no research-tested smartphone apps for breast cancer prevention that are suitable for women with varying levels of health literacy and eHealth literacy. In this perspective, we consider modifiable risk factors for breast cancer in women in relation to the development of smartphone apps to promote healthy behaviors associated with breast cancer-risk reduction. First, we provide a summary of breast cancer risk factors that are modifiable through behavioral change including their corresponding relative risk. Second, we discuss scientific issues related to the development of smartphone apps for the primary prevention of breast cancer and offer suggestions for further research. Smartphone apps for preventing breast cancer should be tailored for women at different life stages (e.g., young women, women who are post-menopausal, and older women). Topics such as breastfeeding and oral contraceptives are appropriate for younger women. Weight management, physical activity, avoiding cigarette smoking, and dispelling breast cancer myths are appropriate for women of all ages. As women age, topics such as hormone replacement therapy or comorbid health conditions become more important to address. Apps for breast cancer prevention should be grounded in a behavioral theory or framework and should be suitable for people with varying levels of health literacy. Future developments in smartphone apps for breast cancer prevention should include apps that are tailored for specific cultural, racial, and ethnic groups.

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“…R a p i d a d v a n c e s i n m H e a l t h a n d s o c i a l m e d i a technologies are contributing to a burgeoning number of novel health promotion and public health interventions for preventing and controlling breast cancer and other chronic diseases (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). Examples include cellphone text messaging and smartphone apps for cancer screening; weight management through caloric restriction, healthy diet and nutrition, and physical activity, and helping consumers to avoid carcinogenic exposures at home and in the workplace (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Examples include cellphone text messaging and smartphone apps for cancer screening; weight management through caloric restriction, healthy diet and nutrition, and physical activity, and helping consumers to avoid carcinogenic exposures at home and in the workplace (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). Other research has examined mHealth interventions for African American breast cancer survivors who are interested in lowering their risk of cancer recurrence through healthy lifestyle changes (23).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of the Physical activity and Your Nutrition for Cancer (PYNC) smartphone app for preventing breast cancer in women

Coughlin¹,

Besenyi²,

Bowen³

et al. 2017

mHealth

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Background: In the U.S., breast cancer accounts for more cancer deaths in women than any site other than lung cancer. Based upon attributable risks, about 30-35% of breast cancers could potentially be prevented by addressing obesity, physical inactivity, increased alcohol consumption, and carcinogenic exposures such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We need methods of reducing women's risks of this disease that are attractive and easy to use, widely accessible to diverse women, and able to be easily amended to account for new research. Methods:The overall objective of this 12-month project is to develop and test a smartphone app to provide women with information about how they can reduce their risk of breast cancer through healthy behaviors such as physical activity, weight management, restricting caloric intake, consuming a healthy diet and proper nutrition, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding carcinogenic exposures such as HRT and alcohol. The specific aims are: (I) to develop a smartphone app for breast cancer prevention using a behavioral framework; (II) to ensure interconnectivity with commercially available products (Fitbit device for monitoring physical activity and the LoseIt! smartphone app for monitoring and tracking diet and nutrition); and (III) to ensure that the mHealth intervention is suitable for women with varying levels of health literacy and eHealth literacy. Results:The app, referred to as Physical activity and Your Nutrition for Cancer (PYNC), is being coded on an iOS platform. Users will be able to access the breast cancer prevention app using their smartphone or tablet. The app's design will ensure interconnectivity with commercially available products for monitoring and tracking physical activity, caloric intake, diet and nutrition. Using the app, it will be feasible for users to connect and sync their Fitbit and LoseIt! accounts so that information collected about physical activity, caloric intake, diet, and nutrition can be conveniently assessed from one portal. The Fitbit device and app provides reminders and allows users to set physical activity goals. Users will be able to access health education information about breast cancer risk-reduction with attractive graphics and visual displays.Conclusions: Future directions will include testing the efficacy of the mHealth intervention in increasing physical activity, improving diet and nutrition, and weight management through a randomized controlled trial, and widespread dissemination and implementation research.

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On the Need for Research-Tested Smartphone Applications for Reducing Exposures to Known or Suspected Breast Carcinogens in Work and Home Environments

Cited by 13 publications

References 4 publications

Social Media and Mobile Technology for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Social Media and Mobile Technology for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Towards research-tested smartphone applications for preventing breast cancer

Development of the Physical activity and Your Nutrition for Cancer (PYNC) smartphone app for preventing breast cancer in women

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