Using Mobile Applications in Cancer Scanning and Evaluating the Effectiveness

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to ensure that people receive professional and permanent preventive healthcare services in the light of current technology in the case of cancer, increase the awareness about cancer screenings, and activate effectively informed decision-making mechanisms. Methods: We developed a mobile application contains basic information about cancers, screening methods and periods. Individuals downloaded the application, received reminders to have their examinations according to the national cancer-screening program for breast, cervical, and colon cancers. The data used belongs to the individuals who downloaded the app between August and December 2019 and filled out the questionnaire we prepared in the app. Results: The mobile application was downloaded 1050 times where, there were 539 registrations in the application, and the number of completes questionnaires is 344. There were 142 (26.3%) men and 397 (73.7%) women. The mean age was 33.3 ± 11.5. Health care workers and teachers found the application significantly more beneficial to promote cancer screening (p = 0.002). Ages and professions of the participants significantly associated with their opinions regarding the application completed their knowledge gaps and considering continue to use the application (p <0.0001, p = 0.02), (p = 0.04, p = 0.01). Prospects for recommending the application differed significantly with age, body mass index, and profession (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.01) Conclusion: Awareness should be increased about cancer screening practices within the scope of primary prevention. Information and warnings should be carried out regularly to ensure that examinations and investigations are done on time. Applications should be developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and must be ensured to be reached to more people.