A groundbreaking new smartphone app has been developed to help women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those who want information on breast reconstruction techniques.
Developed by the Centre for Restorative Breast Surgery at the St Charles Surgical Hospital in New Orleans, the app walks women through each step of surgery.
“It helps you explore the reconstructive options, have a look at ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos and help you ask the right questions when you see your doctor,” said Dr Frank DellaCroce, co-founder of the Centre.
"We are passionate about the information that this app is capable of delivering to all women facing a breast cancer diagnosis," said Dr DellaCroce. "It will empower women in search of answers, and assist them in making better reconstructive decisions for themselves."
The app also includes a Procedure Wizard, a revolutionary tool that uses a supercomputer to determine reconstructive options best suited for each patient. The user anonymously answers a series of questions about their individual situation and the Procedure Wizard provides a personalised analysis.
"We encourage women to explore this part of the app as a first step in learning about their options," says Dr DellaCroce.
In addition, it is equipped with convenient, easy to use features that provide assistance in scheduling and keeping track of all appointments during treatment, taking notes, and recording messages or reminders while on the go.
"By offering this app we hope to help women feel more in control throughout their diagnosis and treatment," says co-founder Dr Scott Sullivan. "A sense of knowledge and organisation can go a long way towards the overall healing and recovery for a woman with breast cancer."
The surgeons at the Centre have performed over 4,000 breast reconstruction procedures for women facing breast cancer from around the world.
The app is available from iTunes and Google Play.
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