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Villinger K, Berli C, Scholz U. App-based interventions to improve cancer outcomes rely on informational support from professionals: a systematic review. Health Psychol Rev 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38755755 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2024.2349617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The importance of social support for cancer patients is well-established, and mobile applications hold promise for implementation. This systematic review examines app-based interventions with social support components for cancer patients, investigating the use of different support functions from different sources and the impact on cancer-related symptoms and psychological outcomes. A systematic search across five databases (EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science) yielded 449 records, of which 17 studies (12 controlled designs) were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality, revealing a high risk of bias across studies. Social support was implemented through different app functions, including contact/chat functions (n = 9), automatic alerts based on app input (n = 6) and discussion forums (n = 5). Social support predominantly focused on informational support (n = 17), mostly from healthcare professionals. Emotional support was less common (n = 7). Results indicated some promising intervention effects for pain, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, insomnia, constipation and overall symptom distress, but heterogeneous effects for health-related quality of life. Overall, results were mixed, but indicate that mobile apps incorporating social support may hold promise for cancer patients. However, future studies should focus on measuring and reporting social support as an intervention mechanism to systematically investigate its specific impact and improve effectiveness.HighlightsApps for cancer patients predominantly include informational social supportEmotional social support is substantially less frequently includedApps focus on formal support sources like healthcare professionalsFirst results are somewhat promising for improving cancer-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corina Berli
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Urte Scholz
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Alhuwail D, Alhouti A, Alsarhan L. Assessing the Quality, Privacy, and Security of Breast Cancer Apps for Arabic Speakers: Systematic Search and Review of Smartphone Apps. JMIR Cancer 2024; 10:e48428. [PMID: 38227353 PMCID: PMC10828940 DOI: 10.2196/48428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a widespread disease, and its incidence is rapidly increasing in the Middle East and North Africa region. With the increasing availability of smartphone apps for various health purposes, breast cancer apps have emerged as tools for raising awareness, providing support, and empowering women affected by this disease. These apps offer many features, including information on breast cancer risk factors, self-examination guides, appointment reminders, and community support groups or hotlines. Using apps raises the risk of privacy and security issues, and we hope that examining these features of the apps will contribute to the understanding of how technology can be used to improve these apps and provide insights for future development and improvement of breast cancer apps. OBJECTIVE This study aims to critically review the quality, privacy, and security of breast cancer apps available to Arabic speakers. METHODS Similar to several recent studies, we used a systematic search for apps available in Google Play and Apple App stores using both the web interface and the built-in native stores installed on smartphones. The search was conducted in mid-December 2022 in Arabic using the following keywords: سرطان الثدي - فحص سرطان الثدي - علاج سرطان الثدي - مرض سرطان الثدي - أعراض سرطان الثدي - فحص الثدي (breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, breast cancer disease, breast cancer symptoms, breast cancer screening, and breast test). These preidentified search terms are based on earlier work concerning the top searched breast cancer topics by Arabic speakers through Google's search engine. We excluded apps that did not have an Arabic interface, were developed for non-Arabic speakers, were paid, needed a subscription, or were directed toward health care workers. The Mobile App Rating Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the apps concerning their engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information. A risk score was calculated for the apps to determine their security risk factors. RESULTS Only 9 apps were included, with most (6/9, 67%) being supported by advertisements and categorized as informational. Overall, the apps had low numbers of downloads (>10 to >1000). The majority of the included apps (8/9, 89%) requested dangerous access permissions, including access to storage, media files, and the camera. The average security score of the included apps was 3.22, while only 2 apps provided information about data security and privacy. The included apps achieved an overall average quality score of 3.27, with individual dimension scores of 4.75 for functionality, 3.04 for information, 3.00 for aesthetics, and 2.32 for engagement. CONCLUSIONS The limited availability of breast cancer apps available to Arabic speakers should be a call to action and prompt health care organizations and developers to join forces and collaboratively develop information-rich, usable, functional, engaging, and secure apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dari Alhuwail
- Information Science Department, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Sabah AlSalem University City, Kuwait
- Health Informatics Unit, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Aisha Alhouti
- Information Science Department, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Sabah AlSalem University City, Kuwait
| | - Latifah Alsarhan
- Information Science Department, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Sabah AlSalem University City, Kuwait
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Mallafré-Larrosa M, Papi G, Trilla A, Ritchie D. Development and Promotion of an mHealth App for Adolescents Based on the European Code Against Cancer: Retrospective Cohort Study. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e48040. [PMID: 38015612 DOI: 10.2196/48040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health technologies, underpinned by scientific evidence and ethical standards, exhibit considerable promise and potential in actively engaging consumers and patients while also assisting health care providers in delivering cancer prevention and care services. The WASABY mobile app was conceived as an innovative, evidence-based mobile health tool aimed at disseminating age-appropriate messages from the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC) to adolescents across Europe. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the outcomes of the design, development, and promotion of the WASABY app through a 3-pronged evaluation framework that encompasses data on social media promotion, app store traffic, and user engagement. METHODS The WASABY app's content, cocreated with cancer-focused civil society organizations across 6 European countries, drew upon scientific evidence from the ECAC. The app's 10 modules were designed using the health belief model and a gamification conceptual framework characterized by spaced repetition learning techniques, refined through 2 rounds of testing. To evaluate the effectiveness of the app, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the WASABY app's user database registered from February 4 to June 30, 2021, using a 3-pronged assessment framework: social media promotion, app store traffic, and user engagement. Descriptive statistics and association analyses explored the relationship between sociodemographic variables and user performance analytics. RESULTS After extensive promotion on various social media platforms and subsequent traffic to the Apple App and Google Play stores, a sample of 748 users aged between 14 and 19 years was included in the study cohort. The selected sample exhibited a mean age of 16.08 (SD 1.28) years and was characterized by a predominant representation of female users (499/748, 66.7%). Most app users identified themselves as nonsmokers (689/748, 92.1%), reported either no or infrequent alcohol consumption (432/748, 57.8% and 250/748, 33.4%, respectively), and indicated being physically active for 1 to 5 hours per week (505/748, 67.5%). In aggregate, the app's content garnered substantial interest, as evidenced by 40.8% (305/748) of users visiting each of the 10 individual modules. Notably, sex and smoking habits emerged as predictors of app completion rates; specifically, male and smoking users demonstrated a decreased likelihood of successfully completing the app's content (odds ratio 0.878, 95% CI 0.809-0.954 and odds ratio 0.835, 95% CI 0.735-0.949, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The development and promotion of the WASABY app presents a valuable case study, illustrating the effective dissemination of evidence-based recommendations on cancer prevention within the ECAC through an innovative mobile app aimed at European adolescents. The data derived from this study provide insightful findings for the implementation of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, particularly the creation of the EU Mobile App for Cancer Prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Mallafré-Larrosa
- Association of European Cancer Leagues, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ginevra Papi
- Association of European Cancer Leagues, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antoni Trilla
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Ritchie
- Association of European Cancer Leagues, Brussels, Belgium
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Martin-Payo R, Leirós-Díaz C, Armes J, Fu MR, Cachero-Rodríguez J, del Mar Fernandez-Alvarez M. The "Breast-4Y" web app for breast cancer prevention at young age: Development, evaluation, and validation. Internet Interv 2023; 33:100651. [PMID: 37555074 PMCID: PMC10404991 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms positively influence an individual's intention to acquire healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent breast cancer, to identify breast cancer risk early and seek health advice early. The aim of the present study was to develop and to assess the usability and quality of a web-app (Breast-4Y) designed specifically for younger women to improve their knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms as well as protective behaviors to reduce their risk. METHODS The development of the Breast-4Y web-app, based on Health Belief Model and the Behaviour Change Wheel, comprised four steps: i) analysis of scientific literature regarding breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and preventive lifestyle behaviors; ii) design of web-app; iii) content review by experts; iv) quality and usability assessment by the end-users (n = 20). Web-app usability was evaluated using the Spanish version of the System Usability Scale for the Assessment of Electronic Tools and the quality using the Spanish version of uMARS. RESULTS The contents were rated 4.25 or above, indicating high content quality. The mean usability score was 84.9 (SD 12.4), the mean rating for objective quality and subjective quality dimensions mean were 4.2 (SD 0.4) and 3.4 (0.777) respectively, indicating excellent usability and quality. Positive associations (p < .05) were observed between numbers of app used and attitudes to change (r = 0.479), and intention to change (r = 0.539). Strong positive associations (p < .001) were also observed between usability satisfaction and attitudes to change (r = 0.584), intention to change (r = 0.656), and help-seeking (r = 0.656). CONCLUSIONS This study provided evidence that Breast-4Y has adequate contents, high quality, and usability. Breast-4Y can be tested in pragmatic trials to assess their effectiveness to reduce the risk of breast cancer, raise women's awareness of breast cancer risk factors, increase women's knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, and adopt protective lifestyle behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Martin-Payo
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
- PRECAM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Spain
| | - Claudia Leirós-Díaz
- PRECAM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Spain
- Área Sanitaria 3, Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias, Spain
| | - Jo Armes
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Rosemary Fu
- The Dorothy and Dale Thompson School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Kansas, United States of America
| | - Judit Cachero-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
- PRECAM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Spain
| | - María del Mar Fernandez-Alvarez
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
- PRECAM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Spain
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Shaffer KM, Turner KL, Siwik C, Gonzalez BD, Upasani R, Glazer JV, Ferguson RJ, Joshua C, Low CA. Digital health and telehealth in cancer care: a scoping review of reviews. Lancet Digit Health 2023; 5:e316-e327. [PMID: 37100545 PMCID: PMC10124999 DOI: 10.1016/s2589-7500(23)00049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated remote cancer care delivery via the internet and telephone, rapidly accelerating an already growing care delivery model and associated research. This scoping review of reviews characterised the peer-reviewed literature reviews on digital health and telehealth interventions in cancer published from database inception up to May 1, 2022, from PubMed, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Cochrane Reviews, and Web of Science. Eligible reviews conducted a systematic literature search. Data were extracted in duplicate via a pre-defined online survey. Following screening, 134 reviews met the eligibility criteria. 77 of those reviews were published since 2020. 128 reviews summarised interventions intended for patients, 18 addressed family caregivers, and five addressed health-care providers. 56 reviews did not target a specific phase of the cancer continuum, whereas 48 reviews tended to address the active treatment phase. 29 reviews included a meta-analysis, with results showing positive effects on quality of life, psychological outcomes, and screening behaviours. 83 reviews did not report intervention implementation outcomes but when reported, 36 reported acceptability, 32 feasibility, and 29 fidelity outcomes. Several notable gaps were identified in these literature reviews on digital health and telehealth in cancer care. No reviews specifically addressed older adults, bereavement, or sustainability of interventions and only two reviews focused on comparing telehealth to in-person interventions. Addressing these gaps with rigorous systematic reviews might help guide continued innovation in remote cancer care, particularly for older adults and bereaved families, and integrate and sustain these interventions within oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Shaffer
- Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Kea L Turner
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Chelsea Siwik
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian D Gonzalez
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Rujula Upasani
- Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jillian V Glazer
- Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Robert J Ferguson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Joshua
- Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Carissa A Low
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Li Y, Sun K, Wang B, Wang N, Luo R, Wang C, Liu Y, Duffy S, MacGregor GA, Wu J, He FJ, Zhang P. Comprehensive workplace intervention for cancer prevention in China (WECAN): protocol for a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072405. [PMID: 37185182 PMCID: PMC10151862 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is the second leading cause of death across the globe with the majority of deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. Evidence has shown that the cancer burden can be substantially reduced by avoiding behavioural risk factors through comprehensive intervention strategies, including workplace health promotion, which has shown to be cost-effective in developed countries while rarely conducted in developing countries. This study aims to explore a feasible and sustainable approach to the prevention and control of cancer in China by developing an evidence-based comprehensive workplace health model equipped with a smartphone application for implementation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is designed as a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial. We will recruit 15 workplaces from three cities in China. A total of 750 employees will be randomly selected for evaluation that includes five rounds of survey conducted every 6 months. After the second evaluation, workplaces will be randomly allocated to start the intervention sequentially every 6 months in three steps with five workplaces per step. A mobile application 'Healthy Workplace' will be developed to support the intervention. On-line and off-line health-related activities will be carried out among employees. Employers will provide supportive policies, environment and benefits to facilitate the adoption of healthy behaviours. The primary outcome is the change of Healthy Lifestyle Index Score, which consists of five components including smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, diet and body mass index. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by Queen Mary University of London Ethics of Research Committee (QMERC22.257) and Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Institutional Review Board (202210). Written informed consent is required from all participants. Results will be disseminated through presentations, publications and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2200058680.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- The George Institute for Global Health, Beijing, China
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kaige Sun
- The George Institute for Global Health, Beijing, China
| | - Baohua Wang
- National Center for Chronic and Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wang
- National Center for Chronic and Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Luo
- The George Institute for Global Health, Beijing, China
| | - Changqiong Wang
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Computing, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Stephen Duffy
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Graham A MacGregor
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jing Wu
- National Center for Chronic and Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Feng J He
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Puhong Zhang
- The George Institute for Global Health, Beijing, China
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Wanchai A, Anderson EA, Armer JM. A systematic review of m-health apps on managing side effects of breast cancer treatment. Support Care Cancer 2022; 31:86. [PMID: 36574048 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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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Affiliation(s)
- Ausanee Wanchai
- Boromarajonani College of Nursing Buddhachinaraj, Faculty of Nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
| | | | - Jane M Armer
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,American Lymphedema Framework Project, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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Schliemann D, Tan MM, Hoe WMK, Mohan D, Taib NA, Donnelly M, Su TT. mHealth Interventions to Improve Cancer Screening and Early Detection: Scoping Review of Reviews. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e36316. [PMID: 35969450 PMCID: PMC9425170 DOI: 10.2196/36316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer screening provision in resource-constrained settings tends to be opportunistic, and uptake tends to be low, leading to delayed presentation and treatment and poor survival. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify, review, map, and summarize findings from different types of literature reviews on the use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies to improve the uptake of cancer screening. METHODS The review methodology was guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). Ovid MEDLINE, PyscINFO, and Embase were searched from inception to May 2021. The eligible criteria included reviews that focused on studies of interventions that used mobile phone devices to promote and deliver cancer screening and described the effectiveness or implementation of mHealth intervention outcomes. Key data fields such as study aims, types of cancer, mHealth formats, and outcomes were extracted, and the data were analyzed to address the objective of the review. RESULTS Our initial search identified 1981 titles, of which 12 (0.61%) reviews met the inclusion criteria (systematic reviews: n=6, 50%; scoping reviews: n=4, 33%; rapid reviews: n=1, 8%; narrative reviews: n=1, 8%). Most (57/67, 85%) of the interventions targeted breast and cervical cancer awareness and screening uptake. The most commonly used mHealth technologies for increasing cancer screening uptake were SMS text messages and telephone calls. Overall, mHealth interventions increased knowledge about screening and had high acceptance among participants. The likelihood of achieving improved uptake-related outcomes increased when interventions used >1 mode of communication (telephone reminders, physical invitation letters, and educational pamphlets) together with mHealth. CONCLUSIONS mHealth interventions increase cancer screening uptake, although multiple modes used in combination seem to be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Schliemann
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Min Min Tan
- South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.,Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Wilfred Mok Kok Hoe
- South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.,Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Devi Mohan
- Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Nur Aishah Taib
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya Cancer Research Institute, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Michael Donnelly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Tin Tin Su
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.,Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
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A Digital Cancer Ecosystem to Deliver Health and Psychosocial Education as Preventive Intervention. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153724. [PMID: 35954388 PMCID: PMC9367518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Health education and psychosocial interventions prevent emotional distress, and the latter has been shown to have an impact on survival. In turn, digital health education interventions may help promote equity by reaching a higher number of cancer patients, both because they avoid journeys to the hospital, by and having a better efficiency. A total of 234 women recently diagnosed with breast cancer in a comprehensive cancer center used the digital ecosystem ICOnnecta’t from March 2019 to March 2021. ICOnnecta’t consists of four care levels, provided to patients according to their level of distress. The second level of this intervention consists of an educational campus, which was analyzed to track users’ interests and their information-seeking behavior. Overall, 99 out of 234 women (42.3%) used the educational campus. There were no significant differences in sociodemographic and clinical variables between the campus users and non-users. Among users, the median number of resources utilized per user was four (interquartile range: 2−9). Emotional and medical resources were the contents most frequently viewed and the audiovisual format the most consulted (p < 0.01). Resources were used mainly within the first three months from enrolment. Users who were guided to visit the virtual campus were more active than spontaneous users. Offering an early holistic health educational platform inside a digital cancer ecosystem, with health professionals involved, can reach more patients, promoting equity in the access of cancer information and prevention, from the very beginning of the disease.
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10
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Shen J, Wang M, Li F, Yan H, Zhou J. Homeodomain-containing gene 10 contributed to breast cancer malignant behaviors by activating Interleukin-6/Janus kinase 2/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:1335-1345. [PMID: 34983296 PMCID: PMC8805924 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2016088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeodomain‑containing gene 10 (HOXC10) has been identified as an oncogene in various malignancies. Nevertheless, the role and function of HOXC10 in breast cancer (BC) remain unclear. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of genes, respectively. CCK-8, transwell, and TUNEL assays were performed to evaluate cell viability, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of BC cells in vitro. The xenograft model was established to examine the effect of HOXC10 on tumor growth in vivo. Our results indicated that HOXC10 expression was increased in BC and correlated with an unsatisfactory prognosis. Functional assays indicated that HOXC10 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and metastasis, and suppressed cell apoptosis of BC, while HOXC10 knockdown showed opposite trends. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo assays uncovered that HOXC10 promoted the tumorigenesis of BC via the activation of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Overall, our study revealed that HOXC10 could function as a tumor promotor in BC by upregulating IL-6 levels to activate the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of LianYunGang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of LianYunGang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of LianYunGang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Huanhuan Yan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of LianYunGang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of LianYunGang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China
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11
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Stoilova D, Cai R, Aguilar-Gomez S, Batzer NH, Nyanza EC, Benshaul-Tolonen A. Biological, material and socio-cultural constraints to effective menstrual hygiene management among secondary school students in Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000110. [PMID: 36962274 PMCID: PMC10021794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Menstrual hygiene management is an important determinant for girls' educational outcomes. We develop a method of cross-sectional analysis that quantifies the relative importance of four distinct mechanisms: material, biological, social and informational constraints and consider four main schooling outcomes: absenteeism, early departure, concentration and participation. We use survey data from 524 female students enrolled in four co-educational secondary schools in Northern Tanzania. Average age at first period is 14.2 years (standard deviation = 1.1, range 9-19). Information is the least binding constraint: 90-95% of girls report they received information about menstruation and how to manage it. In contrast, biological constraints are hindering: (i) the distribution of menstrual cramps and pain is bifurcated: most girls report very light or very strong pain (rather than moderate) with considerable educational impacts for girls in the latter group, (ii) irregular cycles (62%) and difficulty predicting the cycle (60%) lead to stress and uncertainty. Socio-cultural constraints are binding as 84% would feel shame if male peers knew their menstrual status, and 58% fear being teased over periods. Material constraints include prohibitive costs: girls spending between 12-70% of the daily national poverty line (6,247 TSH per day) on pads during their period. However, we discern no statistically significant relationship between access to pads and absenteeism. In contrast, biological and socio-cultural constraints as well as lack of sanitary infrastructure have significant effects on absenteeism. The results have several implications. First, sanitary pad interventions should consider participation and concentration as main outcomes, in addition to absenteeism. Second, biological (menstrual cramps and pain) and socio-cultural (fear, stigma) constraints are drivers of menstruation-related absenteeism and participation in the classroom and need to be evaluated in trials. We suggest exploring analgesic use, alternative pain-management techniques, menstrual cycle tracking technologies, and social programming in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani Stoilova
- Department of Economics, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Cai
- Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | - Elias Charles Nyanza
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Anja Benshaul-Tolonen
- Department of Economics, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States of America
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Houghton LC, Gibbons MP, Shekelle J, Oakley-Girvan I, Watterson JL, Magsamen-Conrad K, Jones C, Gokal K. Free Time For Wellness: a co-designed intervention utilizing social networks to encourage physical activity for cancer prevention among low resourced mothers. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1805. [PMID: 34620141 PMCID: PMC8499394 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11775-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity is central to chronic disease prevention. Low resource mothers face structural barriers preventing them from increasing their physical activity to reduce their chronic disease risk. We co-designed an intervention, with the ultimate goal of building social cohesion through social media to increase physical activity for low resourced mothers in urban settings. METHODS In 2019, we interviewed 10 mothers of children (< 12 years) living in Washington Heights, Manhattan. The interviews were transcribed and coded for themes that guided the creation of a co-design workshop. Washington Heights-based mothers (n = 16) attended a co-design workshop to generate the blueprint for the Free Time for Wellness intervention. RESULTS Mothers in our sample had limited time, external support and resources, which hindered them from increasing their physical activity; we learned that in addition to physical health, mental health was a concern for participants. Participants had varying degrees of self-efficacy and trust in social media. Bringing mothers and researchers together in a co-design workshop, we identified types of physical activities they would enjoy participating in, the ideal time to do so, the kind of childcare they needed, and their preferences for communication with the community champion. The interviews and workshop highlighted the need for a community space that mothers and children could co-occupy. The intervention was designed to be 3 months' worth of sample programming with one activity per week, rotating between dance, yoga, food pantry visits and group playdates. Participants were invited to bring their children to a space with one room for the 'participants only' activity and a second room in which professional childcare providers supervised the children. CONCLUSIONS Through this two-phased co-design process, we created an intervention with mothers in an urban community with the goal of using social media to bring them together for wellness, primarily through increased physical activity. Despite the co-design of this intervention with a specific community, there are some universal applications of our findings, and of the use of co-design workshops, to other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C. Houghton
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1130 St Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Marley P. Gibbons
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Jeanette Shekelle
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Ingrid Oakley-Girvan
- The Public Health Institute, The Data and Technology Proving Ground Program, 555 12th Ave, 10th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607 USA
- Medable Inc, 525 University Ave, Ste A70, Palo Alto, CA 94301 USA
| | - Jessica L. Watterson
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- Center for Healthcare Organizational and Innovation Research (CHOIR), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 50 University Hall, Berkeley, CA 94704 USA
| | - Kate Magsamen-Conrad
- Department of Communication Studies, The University of Iowa, 257 Becker Communication Studies Building, Iowa City, IA 52245 USA
- Holden Comprehensive Care Center, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
| | - Cheryl Jones
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Kajal Gokal
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU UK
- The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, LE11 3TU Leicestershire, UK
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Shlivko IL, Garanina OY, Klemenova IA, Uskova KA, Mironycheva AM, Dardyk VI, Laskov VN. Artificial intelligence: how it works and criteria for assessment. CONSILIUM MEDICUM 2021. [DOI: 10.26442/20751753.2021.8.201148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence is a term used to describe computer technology in the modeling of intelligent behavior and critical thinking comparable to that of humans. To date, some of the first areas of medicine to be influenced by advances in artificial intelligence technologies will be those most dependent on imaging. These include ophthalmology, radiology, and dermatology. In connection with the emergence of numerous medical applications, scientists have formulated criteria for their assessment. This list included: clinical validation, regular application updates, functional focus, cost, availability of an information block for specialists and patients, compliance with the conditions of government regulation, and registration. One of the applications that meet all the requirements is the ProRodinki software package, developed for use by patients and specialists in the Russian Federation. Taking into account a widespread and rapidly developing competitive environment, it is necessary to soberly treat the resources of such applications, not exaggerating their capabilities and not considering them as a substitute for a specialist.
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14
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Cancino RS, Su Z, Mesa R, Tomlinson GE, Wang J. The Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Screening: Challenges and Opportunities. JMIR Cancer 2020; 6:e21697. [PMID: 33027039 PMCID: PMC7599065 DOI: 10.2196/21697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States and across the globe. Cancer screening is an effective preventive measure that can reduce cancer incidence and mortality. While cancer screening is integral to cancer control and prevention, due to the COVID-19 outbreak many screenings have either been canceled or postponed, leaving a vast number of patients without access to recommended health care services. This disruption to cancer screening services may have a significant impact on patients, health care practitioners, and health systems. In this paper, we aim to offer a comprehensive view of the impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening. We present the challenges COVID-19 has exerted on patients, health care practitioners, and health systems as well as potential opportunities that could help address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon S Cancino
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, Joe R & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Zhaohui Su
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Ruben Mesa
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Joe R & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Gail E Tomlinson
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Joe R & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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Kong FW, Horsham C, Ngoo A, Soyer HP, Janda M. Review of smartphone mobile applications for skin cancer detection: what are the changes in availability, functionality, and costs to users over time? Int J Dermatol 2020; 60:289-308. [PMID: 32880938 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Smartphone applications (apps) are available to consumers for skin cancer prevention and early detection. This study aims to review changes over time in the skin cancer apps available to consumers as well as their functionality and costs. Apps for the prevention of skin cancer were searched on two major smartphone app stores (Android and iOS) in June 2019. The number, functionality, ratings, and price of the apps were described and compared to similar reviews of the skin cancer app market from 2014 to 2017. Overall, the June 2019 search identified 66 apps. Of 39 apps found in 2014, 30 were no longer available in 2019 representing an attrition rate of 77%; of 43 apps available in 2017, attrition was 46.5%. In 2019, 63.6% (n = 42/66) of apps were free to download compared to 53.5% (n = 23/43) in 2017. Input from clinician/professional bodies was evident for 47.0% (n = 31/66) of the apps in 2019 compared to 34.9% (15/43) in 2017. The most common app functionality offered in 2019 was monitoring/tracking of lesions at 48.5% (n = 32/66). Since 2014, there has been a steady increase in the number of apps available for the general public to support the prevention or early detection of skin cancers. There continues to be a high turnover of apps, and many apps still appear to lack clinician input and/or evidence for their safety and value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur W Kong
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Caitlin Horsham
- Centre of Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexander Ngoo
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - H Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Monika Janda
- Centre of Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Mushroom extracts and compounds with suppressive action on breast cancer: evidence from studies using cultured cancer cells, tumor-bearing animals, and clinical trials. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:4675-4703. [PMID: 32274562 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10476-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews mushrooms with anti-breast cancer activity. The mushrooms covered which are better known include the following: button mushroom Agaricus bisporus, Brazilian mushroom Agaricus blazei, Amauroderma rugosum, stout camphor fungus Antrodia camphorata, Jew's ear (black) fungus or black wood ear fungus Auricularia auricula-judae, reishi mushroom or Lingzhi Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma sinense, maitake mushroom or sheep's head mushroom Grifola frondosa, lion's mane mushroom or monkey head mushroom Hericium erinaceum, brown beech mushroom Hypsizigus marmoreus, sulfur polypore mushroom Laetiporus sulphureus, Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom), Phellinus linteus (Japanese "meshimakobu," Chinese "song gen," Korean "sanghwang," American "black hoof mushroom"), abalone mushroom Pleurotus abalonus, king oyster mushroom Pleurotus eryngii, oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, tuckahoe or Fu Ling Poria cocos, and split gill mushroom Schizophyllum commune. Antineoplastic effectiveness in human clinical trials and mechanism of anticancer action have been reported for Antrodia camphorata, Cordyceps sinensis, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and Lentinula edodes.
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