Development of a Mobile Application of Breast Cancer E-Support Program for Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Background: Women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy experience a variety of physical and psychosocial symptoms, which have negative effect on women's quality of life and psychological well-being. Although M-health technologies provides innovative and easily accessible option to provide psychosocial support, mobile phone based interventions remain limited for these women in China.

Objective: To develop a new mobile application to offer information as well as social and emotional support to women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy to promote their self-efficacy and social support, thus improving symptom management strategies.

Methods: Basing on previous theoretical framework which incorporated Bandura's self-efficacy theory and the social exchange theory, a new mobile application, called Breast Cancer e-Support Program (BCS) was designed, with the content and functionality being validated by the expert panel and women with breast cancer.

Results: BCS App program has four modules: 1) Learning forum; 2) Discussion forum; 3) Ask-the-Expert forum; and 4) Personal Stories forum. BCS program can be applied on both android mobile phones and iPhones to reach more women.

Conclusions: This is the first of its kind developed in China for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A randomized controlled trial is undertaking to test the effectiveness of BCS program.