Use of cancer mobile app: A young adult patient-centered approach

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have distinct psychosocial and information needs across the cancer care continuum. AYAs often experience developmental milestone disruptions, changes in social functioning, and an unmet need for social connection both during and after treatment. The multidimensional needs of AYAs with cancer necessitates tailored program development to provide patient-centered psychosocial support that is accessible and scalable. To address these critical gaps in AYA cancer care, this study describes an innovative cancer mobile application, iaya, an online platform uniquely for AYAs with cancer designed to promote coping and peer connection.

iaya data was collected from late 2021-December 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to examine iaya engagement, growth trends, and summarize user data, including user demographics, app feature engagement, and psychosocial coping toolbox utilization.

Iaya has experienced steady growth over time and now has over 280 total members and 180 active members (66%). Members most frequently visited app spaces for discussion and socialization with other users. These spaces generated more engagement compared to informational or resource specific spaces.

Findings from this study indicate that there is a desire for social connection with AYA peers above and beyond the need for cancer-related information on iaya, suggesting that many AYAs with cancer are interested and willing to engage with online platforms that facilitate these social connections. Future AYA psychosocial oncology programs should be designed with a focus on strengthening social connectedness and community building among AYAs with cancer and consider implementing a mobile component as a valuable and scalable solution.