Oncologists Use of Digital Health

With the new technology, the health of patients can be monitored, enabling them to manage their conditions in an effective way without the need of visiting hospitals or other health facilities. This can help minimize the cost of health care, save time and also increase chances of perfect life quality and desirable positive outcomes.

Cancer is the second leading killer which claimed approximately 8.8 million lives in 2015 alone. The number of cancer patients is continuing to rise simply because of lack of effective and curative services.According to World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cancer cases is estimated to reach 21.6 million by 2030. Cancer is a chronic illness that requires long-term commitment by both healthcare professionals and patients. For cancer patients, the potential benefits of digital health in terms of promoting convenient care and self-management are substantial.

A recent study on cancer has found that digital health technology can be used to offer cancer follow-up at home in a safe and effective manner. The study suggests that digital health tech can be used to facilitate early detection of cancer and management of patients’ symptoms and deterioration. For patients who own connected health devices, it will be good news for them.

How Oncologists use Digital HealthTechnology to Fight Cancer
Below are ways oncologists use digital health technologies to fight cancer:
1.       Research and data collection
Just like in an ordinary fight, knowledge of what one is up to is an added advantage. During pre-digital times, research and data collection about cancer was hindered by distance, time of occurrence and matching accuracy of cancer types. However, digital health is eliminating the older methods of collecting cancer information which solely depended on patient health history and demographics. Digital technologies have now incorporated raw data from genomics, gene mapping, imaging studies, patient reported symptoms and pathology into registries. Registries are very beneficial in fighting cancer since rare types of cancer can be analyzed after pooling which help in treatment decision making.

Digital health is now bridging the gap between data and researchers with use of websites and smartphone and mobile apps to conduct research on cancer. Some mobile apps such as Research Kit by Apple have turned iPhone into a medical research tool which help scientists gather required data from app users. This app also enables individuals participating in the study to review an interactive process, submit their reactions and then decide how their health information can be shared with researchers.

Ask Dory is also another beneficial tool from Applied Informatics LLC. It is an online platform that has helped people search for cancer clinical trials. This platform makes use of U.S government’s clinical trials making it safer and less costly.
Another mobile app,Cancer App by Mhealth Solutions is a tool that collects cancer information from different sources to help individuals strategize on reducing the risk of getting cancer.

2.       Prevention and diagnosis
Prevention or early diagnosis of cancer is considered by oncologists as the first step in fighting cancer. 30% to 50% cases of cancer can be prevented and 1/3 of cancer deaths are due to dietary and behavioral risks. To effectively prevent cancer, Wearables have been used to measure physical activities and body mass. These Wearable can be interpreted by oncologists as an easy recommendation in lifestyle to help avoid cancerous growths.

Cancer diagnosis has now been made faster and more accurate, thanks to digital health technologies. Digital tools such as genomics have been used to detect cancer in a fast and accurate way which helps save lives. Validated diagnostic tests from BioMark Diagnostics Inc. have also been used successfully in early detection of cancer by use of sophisticated LC-MS machine. LC-MS machine is used to screen for high levels of Acetylated Amantadine which may have been administered during early stages of cancer. Acetylation of Amantadine is performed by SSAT, which is and enzyme proven to be present in may cancer types.

Mobile diagnostics have also been made available for early and easy detection of cancer. Dr Now is a mobile app by Now Healthcare Group which provides patients with a range of self-test tumor marker kits which can help them detect ovarian cancer and even access the severity of a potential heart failure.
3.       Online Appointments
With hospital website platforms and social media, cancer patients can easily book their appointments with their desired physicians or oncologists. Patients can simply use their smartphones to book and schedule appointments within the comfort of their homes.

4.       Treatment
Treatment is the most advanced area in digital health as it relates to direct fight against cancer. A period after cancer diagnosis is accompanied by many activities such as meeting the oncology team, keeping appointments with technicians, fighting emotions to accept the diagnosis, visiting doctors and undergoing tiring tests. As though such activities are not enough, the medical information generated by such visits is enormous for patients to keep and make sense.

With digital health, cancer patients are now covered. Immediately after diagnosis, any tests and consultations can be performed online via video without having you leave your home. Health mobile apps and Wearables can now be used to monitor patient’s information and submit it to the oncologists. Some mobile apps such as Fitbit Flex have trackers that help track patient’s physical activities for patients who are unable to report symptoms by themselves for some reasons.
My Cancer Genome, an app by Vanderbilt University Medical center is another tool that can give patients’ information on treatment options based on their genomes. The app draws genome information from National Cancer Institute in the United States.

Other digital health apps which are used in the treatment of cancer include:
o Cancer Therapy Advisor
o CareZone
o Cancer.Net Mobile
o Pocket Cancer Care Guide

5.       Support

Social media is another tool which is very important for empathy and emotional support needed by cancer patients. Cancer patients can get such support from Twitter and Facebook groups that focus on specific types of cancer. Social media groups are of great advantage compared to physical groups since they are not location bound.  
Location: New York, NY, USA

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