On the Coast – Families Issue 105 I April/May 2020 | Page 6
5 Best
Breast Cancer Apps
Here are five free apps that can help you
navigate through your breast cancer
diagnosis, treatment and life beyond.
With Dr Mary Ling, Central Coast Breast and General Surgeon
1
Know Your Lemons
Useful for all women.
Did you know that
milk lobes feel like
soft squishy peas,
while a cancerous
lump often feels
hard and immovable
like a lemon seed?
Or that dimpling (a tell-tale sign of breast
cancer) can be better seen when you lift
your arms above your head? This app
educates women on the 12 signs of breast
cancer using images of lemons, and how
to do a thorough breast self-examination
with Mona Lisa as your personal coach!
2
The BAPS App Wales
Useful for anyone with breast cancer
requiring surgery
and radiotherapy.
Struggle to follow
prescribed paper-
based exercises? Or
maybe you have
lost the printout?
Designed by physiotherapists, a breast
surgeon and breast cancer survivors,
this app provides guided post-operative
shoulder exercises in a video format. The
exercises are designed to reduce the loss
of shoulder movement and function,
which can delay radiotherapy.
3
Becca
Useful for anyone
who has completed
active breast cancer
treatment.
Need tips on how
to reconnect with
your sexual self after treatment? Or
inspiration for healthy meals? This
app is your pocket guide to life after
breast cancer treatment, providing
bite-sized and trusted information on a
range of topics including exercise, diet,
mindfulness and your “new normal”.
4
Untire: Beating Cancer Fatigue
Useful for anyone suffering from
cancer-related fatigue.
For the one in three
cancer patients
who suffer from
fatigue, even buying
groceries feels like an
impossible feat! Based
Dr Mary Ling is a Breast and General Surgeon who consults at
Gosford, Woy Woy and Kanwal.
& 02 4321 0302
www.drmaryling.com.au
@drmaryling
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6
O N T H E C OA S T – FA MILIES
on scientifically proven methods, this
app gives you the tools to reduce cancer-
related fatigue through positive tips and
reminders and stress reduction exercises.
You can track your energy level with the
“Vase of Energy”, including factors that
fill or empty your vase, and also partner
with an anti-fatigue “buddy”.
5
CancerAid
Useful for
anyone
diagnosed
with cancer.
Designed
by two
Australian
cancer
specialists,
this app allows
you to access reliable up-to-date
treatment information and connect with
others going through similar
experiences. The journal feature allows
you to record your symptoms and side
effects during your treatment to show
your doctor, as well as being able to
share your progress with nominated
friends and family members.