JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Breast cancer treatment, particularly during the perioperative period, is often accompanied by significant psychological distress including anxiety and uncertainty. Mobile health interventions have emerged as promising tools to provide timely psychosocial support through convenient, flexible, and personalized platforms. While research has explored the use of mobile Health in breast cancer prevention, care management, and survivorship, limited studies have examined patient using experience with mobile interventions during the perioperative phase of breast cancer treatment.

Objective:

This study explored breast cancer patients’ experiences using iCareBreast, a mobile app designed to provide perioperative guidance and psychosocial support.

Methods:

A qualitative approach was employed to explore participant experiences. Thirteen English- or Chinese-speaking participants from the intervention arm of a clinical study were recruited via purposive sampling between April 2021 and February 2022. Semi-structured individual phone interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key patterns of experience, focusing on usability, emotional impact, perceived value, and areas for future improvement.

Results:

Four main themes and eleven subthemes emerged from this study: 1) Navigating the app with confidence and comfort; 2) Making sense of treatment through relevant and evolving content; 3) Finding emotional anchors in a time of uncertainty; 4) Advocating for broader use and continued motivation. Participants found the app user-friendly and appreciated its structure, locally relevant content, which helped reduced anxiety and enhance surgical preparedness. Features such as deep breathing exercises, motivational quotes, survivor stories, mindfulness practices, and peer support links offered emotional comfort and a sense of companionship. Participants strongly advocated for more personalized and adaptive content aligned with their treatment type and recovery progress. They also emphasized the value of interactive elements, such as video demonstrations and accessing messaging functions to support sustained engagement. Many expressed a need for extended support throughout adjuvant treatments phases, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Conclusions:

The iCareBreast app was perceived as a supportive tool during the perioperative period, helping patients navigating both informational and emotional challenges. However, the findings underscores the importance of extending content across the treatment continuum and enhancing personalization and interactivity. Mobile health interventions should be responsive to patients’ evolving needs and integrated into clinical care pathways to provide timely, comprehensive, tailored, and ongoing support for women with breast cancer. Clinical Trial: Trail registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04172350