JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

This article considers the potential role for smartphones, wearables and other technology in the diagnosis of cancer. These technologies could be valuable additions in the pursuit of early cancer diagnosis as they offer solutions to timely detection of signals or symptoms and monitoring of subtle changes in behaviour that may otherwise be missed. In addition to signal detection, technologies could assist symptom interpretation, guide and facilitate access to healthcare. However, there are also potential barriers to successful implementation. These include the difficulty of development of signals and sensors with sufficient utility and accuracy through robust research with the target group. There are regulatory challenges, potential for innovations to exacerbate inequalities, and questions surrounding acceptability, uptake and correct use by the intended target group and healthcare practitioners. Finally, there is potential for unintended consequences on individuals and healthcare services including unnecessary anxiety, increased symptom burden, over-investigation and inappropriate use of healthcare resources. We outline next steps for research and development to drive investigation into the potential for smartphones and wearables in this context and optimise implementation.