JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES We previously demonstrated that symptom monitoring via mobile application detects lung cancer relapses early and improves detection and management of symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact on early symptomatic lung cancer screening and to evaluate its capacity to incite users to quit smoking or reduce consumption. METHODS Current and ex-smokers were recruited through an advertising campaign in the Sarthe county (France) proposing the free download of a smartphone application. Application users were asked to answer 13 questions related to symptoms associated with tobacco-induced diseases (COPD, cardiovascular diseases, cancer). In the event of any positive answer, a message was displayed recommending consulting their general practitioner. The incidence of surgery-eligible lung cancer was assessed from cancer registry data 12 weeks after the media campaign. RESULTS 5671 users were eligible for evaluation. A majority of users (73%) had at least one symptom requiring GP visit. Fourteen percent of the current smokers showed symptoms suggesting COPD, 16% suggesting stable angina, 12% were probably suffering from LEAD and 7% from possible cancer. Surgery-eligible symptomatic lung cancer incidence was 24% versus 9% during the previous year (P = .04) in the Sarthe county whereas it remained unchanged in the neighboring county of Maine-et-Loire. Following application use, 37% of current smokers reported cessation intention and 49% reported reduction. CONCLUSIONS A majority of current and ex-smokers show worrying symptoms. This prospective study suggests that a self-monitoring smartphone application may encourage smokers to reduce tobacco use and may prompt high-risk individuals to seek lung cancer screening.