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To keep the NFCR community up to date with the best technology tools, the team has compiled a list of the best apps for cancer patients in 2020.

In 2017, the National Foundation for Cancer Research reviewed some of the best cancer apps available for patients and their families. From tracking appointments to monitoring health and finding expert advice, these phone apps proved to be a cancer patient’s best friend. Though three years doesn’t seem all that long, technology can change so much in a short period.

The year has been demanding and challenging in many ways, leaving many people worldwide in isolation like never before. Before this year, apps were an additional resource used for convenience. The pandemic-related isolation has made apps and remote tools necessary, sparking innovation and invention.

BELONG – Beating Cancer Together

Though Belong. Life is a new addition to the list; it is already being used by 250,000 people affected by cancer. Designed to mimic a social media platform, Belong helps people find support groups for all types of cancers. It gives users access to leading researchers who can answer any questions a cancer patient or their family members may have. This free app also helps people find clinical trials and allows users to input medical records.

Cancer.Net Mobile

Cancer.Net Mobile continues to be one of the best apps available. This free app, offered by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, is instrumental in helping patients plan and manage care. The app keeps track of symptoms, appointments, medications, questions, and healthcare providers while providing information on over 120 types of cancer. Cancer.Net is also available in languages other than English.

CareZone

CareZone was the most popular cancer-related app in 2020. This organizational app helps patients remember treatments, plan care notes, summarize drug administration protocols, deliver medication and doctor’s visit reminders, and simplify treatment by taking and retaining pictures of medications, prescriptions, and supplements. The app also provides a journaling area for tracking appointments and keeping notes to discuss with doctors. In addition to monitoring cancer-related care, CareZone lets you track essential health stats like sleep, blood glucose, weight, and more.

However, the best thing about CareZone is that all the information in the app can also be accessed on a browser and downloaded when needed.

CaringBridge

CaringBridge is another free app created in association with CaringBridge, a social networking site for people living with chronic medical conditions. CaringBridge allows you to post health updates and any other information you would like to share with family and friends. It is perfect for those times when you get a test result and don’t feel up to calling all of your loved ones to share the news.

My Medical

There are so many free apps available that it often isn’t worth paying for one. That being said, My Medical can be an extremely useful tool in some situations. The app stores all medical information, from allergies and medications to previous surgeries and specialist contact details. It can also store more than one person’s information, making it ideal for couples and families. My Medical contains a section to record lab results, a useful feature often missing from other medical apps.

Moodfit

Mental health is essential in caring for one’s overall well-being. Moodfit is a free mental health app designed to help users shape their moods. After seeing many apps focus on helping people get into physical shape, the designers of Moodfit crafted this app to help people get into mental shape. The app provides a questionnaire to determine the severity of symptoms and many articles and audio files designed to help people understand what they’re experiencing. Users can track their moods over time and understand which things affect their feelings. The app also has a cognitive behavioral therapy portion, which can teach people how to dispute overly negative thoughts.

No matter your diagnosis, level of understanding, or internet savviness, there’s an app that can help you. It’s important to remember that these tools are not meant in any way to replace a doctor or specialist. Still, they can bring relief and organization and help connect to resources and people who wish to support cancer patients. See your online app store and consult with your doctor or oncology social worker for further or more specific guidance on those apps that might best benefit you.

Additional Reads You May Enjoy:

Resources and Support for Family Caregivers

Leading the Development of New Cancer Technologies: Dr. PaulAbrams” Story

Clinical Trials 101 with Clinical Trial Facilitator Cynthia Kerr