Indian Cancer Society has developed free multilingual information app on oral, breast, cervical and lung cancer in audio-video format catering for literate and illiterate population. Other cancers will be added gradually.
The aim has been to provide 360-degree information around cancer which is holistic covering the disease, from physical, emotional and informational needs of an individual and their loved ones during their cancer journey in a language they are comfortable in. There is a pressing need for accessible and reliable resource that can provide, information, support and guidance to those affected by cancer.
With this in mind we have been working on developing a comprehensive cancer information which will be interactive in nature with the primary goal of the application being to empower affected individuals with knowledge, resources and support to navigate their journey more effectively.
Target audience is - Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Besides this anyone interested in getting information on cancer.
Format of the App:
Awareness: Disease area, early diagnosis, common symptoms, myths vs facts, trajectory of the disease.
Knowledge Sharing: Tool for sharing information
Engagement with patient community
Areas of focus in first phase –Breast cancers, cervical cancer, Oral / Head & Neck Cancer and lung cancer. Other cancers will be added gradually.
Target audience – Individuals interested in learning about cancer, those suffering from cancer as well as caregivers.
Literacy levels - Illiterate as well as literate.
Benefit for Patients
Guide:
End to end guidance: from screening to treatment
Guidance about funding, reimbursement and schemes, health and wellness.
Awareness about disease area: one stop platform having all information, support required
Early Diagnosis:
India public & private healthcare System is treatment focused - lacking focus on prevention and screening. This application will promote prevention and early screening, Signs and symptoms to watch.
Disease progression - How the disease progresses, importance of adherence to treatment, survivorship.
Navigation: Provide information on diagnostic and treatment centers
Community Connect: Allows patients to connect and learn from other experience and Virtual support groups
Since this is going to be an information based application areas being developed-
Content: Nutrition, Mental and Psychological issues,
Information on oral, breast, cervical and lung cancer cancers in 2 min audio video format leading the individual step by step through the whole spectrum of cancer.
Nutrition
Mental and psychological issues faced by patients, survivors and caregivers.
Importance of health insurance, financial literacy and legal help.
Resources which can be accessed- i.e. Hospitals, blood banks, places to stay, hospice care, prosthetics.
Exercises and physiotherapy
Financial literacy modules, importance of health insurance, universal health coverage.
Legal advice on patient’s rights and duties.
Development of support groups on virtual platform.
Podcasts
Survivor stories.
News feed - whats happening in the cancer arena.
Initial Languages – English, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Bengali.
Outcomes:
Our initiative aims to achieve two main outcomes:
1. Empowering individuals to make informed health decisions.
2. Establishing nationwide virtual support networks within communities.
While our app offers informational content, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized guidance on cancer-related symptoms and medical decisions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The technical component for Phase -1 has been supported by Roche Pharma.