Impact of a Mobile Nutrition App on Dietary Outcomes in Cancer Survivors: Pilot Feasibility Study

Cancer survivors frequently face persistent nutrition-related challenges after treatment. Mobile health tools may extend access to dietary self-management support beyond clinic settings, but feasibility and preliminary effects remain insufficiently characterized in this population.

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, user engagement, and preliminary effects of a 4-week mobile nutrition app on dietary behavior and quality of life (QoL) among cancer survivors, and to explore whether higher engagement is associated with greater improvements.

A single-arm, prospective pilot feasibility study was conducted at a tertiary cancer center in Korea. Participants used a mobile nutrition app that provided dietary feedback and self-monitoring features. In-app log data were analyzed to determine engagement metrics (session frequency, duration, and gap regularity) using an elbow-based 10-minute session threshold. Primary outcomes included the Nutrition Quotient for Adults (NQ-2021) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores, measured before and after 4 weeks. Nonparametric paired analyses assessed changes, and exploratory correlations examined relationships between engagement and outcomes.

Among 27 enrolled participants, 24 cancer survivors (88.9%) completed the intervention and postassessment; the majority were female (17/24, 70.8%), with a mean age of 58.5 (SD 8.7) years. Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis (11/24, 45.8%), and most participants reported no diet-related adverse effects (20/24, 83.3%) and stable body weight during the study period. Participants averaged 2.3 app sessions per day and a median cumulative use of 177.5 minutes. Retention was 88.9%, and median adherence to daily self-monitoring exceeded 85%. The NQ Moderation domain improved significantly (mean 76.6, SD 17.5 → mean 81.0, SD 13.7; P=.02), while Balance and Dietary Behavior showed positive trends (mean 63.7, SD 16.1 → mean 65.5, SD 13.3, P=.14; mean 64.9, SD 17.3 → mean 67.1, SD 15.9, P=.10). In QoL outcomes, appetite loss decreased (mean 17.9, SD 22.0 → mean 7.7, SD 14.6; P=.03) and global health status increased modestly (mean 68.5, SD 21.4 → mean 72.9, SD 20.1; P=.08). Higher engagement correlated with improved moderation (r=0.46; P=.02) and reduced appetite loss (r=-0.42; P=.04). Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested stronger effects among participants aged 60 years and older (ΔNQ Moderation +7.9; P=.04) and those with longer cancer survivorship (>3 years; P=.047). No adverse events were reported.

This pilot feasibility study demonstrates high user engagement, satisfactory retention, and preliminary improvements in nutritional behavior and QoL among cancer survivors using a mobile nutrition app. These findings indicate the feasibility of a larger controlled trial to confirm the app's effectiveness and explore long-term adherence strategies.