Mobile applications and quality of life in breast cancer patients and survivors - a systematic review (Preprint)

Abstract

Side effects of breast cancer treatment may persist long into survivorship, reducing quality of life (QOL) in this population. There is growing evidence for the use of digital health technologies, such as mobile applications (apps), to support self-management, decrease symptom burden and improve QOL in cancer patients. However, an updated overview of the effects of mobile apps on QOL and well-being in breast cancer patients and survivors is needed.

The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of breast cancer specific mobile app driven lifestyle and/or behavioural interventions in patient care through to survivorship and their impact on QOL and mental well-being.

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted in order to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criteria was limited to original studies involving a trial of a mobile app driven lifestyle or behavioural intervention for breast cancer patients or survivors and utilising QOL or well-being measures. The results of the studies that met the inclusion criteria were then synthesised in text and table format. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

A total of 17 studies including 38-356 participants met the inclusion criteria. Among the reviewed studies, 7 delivered an app-only intervention and 10 studies combined an app with additional supporting material, such as text messaging, telecoaching, wearables or printed materials. Among the reviewed studies, 7 focus on aiding breast cancer patients during the active treatment phase (excluding ongoing hormone therapy) whereas the remaining 10 focused on survivorship. The majority of the studies observed some positive effects on QOL or well-being measures.

The results of the review indicate that mobile apps are a promising avenue for improving QOL and wellbeing in breast cancer care. Positive effects were observed in patients undergoing active treatment in all reviewed studies but effects were less clear following chemotherapy and in long term survivors. Whilst lifestyle and behavioural digital interventions are still being developed and further research should still be pursued, the available data suggests that current mHealth apps aid breast cancer patients and survivors.