When patients who were worried about recurrence of breast cancer used a smartphone app to specifically recognize their worries and think about what they could do to resolve them, they were able to reduce their fear of recurrence. A research group at a university or other institution has made a presentation, and it is expected that it can be used to relieve anxiety about other diseases in the future.

The research was conducted by a group led by Professor Tatsuo Akechi of Nagoya City University and published in an international journal on cancer treatment.



Many cancer patients are worried about recurrence even after the cancer has been completely removed by surgery or other means. Validated.

In the app, the patient follows the instructions



to enter specific concerns, such as ``I can't get my cancer out of my mind when I'm alone.'

' and demerit,

and

▽ Enter the change of feeling.

A study of approximately 450 women aged 20 to 49 who had undergone breast cancer surgery for at least one year found that those who used the app began to experience a decrease in their fear of recurrence after two months. The effect was similar to that of people with depression who used antidepressants, and it continued about half a year later.







The research group claims that the app can reduce the burden of hospital visits, and Professor Akechi says, ``We can expect applications to relieve anxiety about diseases other than breast cancer, so we want to further advance our research.''