Abstract

In 2024, approximately 32,000 Canadians were diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) [1]. While advances in treatment continue to improve survival, many individuals experience lasting physical and psychological side effects long after treatment ends. Among the most common and impactful are upper extremity (UE) impairments, including lymphedema and reduced shoulder range of motion (ROM) [2]. Despite their prevalence, Canada’s current healthcare system lacks systematic, accessible, and timely screening tools to identify these issues before they become more severe. Survivors often rely on infrequent clinical appointments, symptom recognition, or manual self-monitoring methods that can be inconsistent, difficult to interpret, and prone to error. Consequently, UE impairments are frequently overlooked or detected too late, leading to avoidable functional limitations and reduced quality of life.

To address this unmet need, the StrongArms-Cancer mHealth system was developed to enable early detection and self-management of UE impairments following breast cancer treatment. The system measures UE volume and ROM, automates data tracking and trend analysis, and delivers personalized self-management recommendations based on individual user data. The invention consists of a digital goniometer for measuring UE ROM, the “Moon Wand” for measuring UE volume, and a companion mobile application that receives and analyzes measurement data. Together, these integrated tools provide continuous monitoring, track changes over time, and support informed decision-making by both survivors and healthcare providers.

Applications

• Integration into at-home self-management and rehabilitation programs.
• Integration into healthcare systems to support monitoring and clinical decision-making.

Advantages

• User-friendly design that improves measurement reliability compared with traditional self-monitoring techniques.
• Tracks changes over time to support early detection and intervention for UE impairments.
• Reduces dependence on in-person clinical assessments, increasing accessibility and convenience.
• Empowers survivors to take an active role in monitoring and managing their recovery.
• The first self-care tool designed specifically for breast cancer survivors to monitor UE volume.
• Reduces costs for both patients and healthcare systems through proactive monitoring and early intervention.