Abstract

In 2024, approximately 32,000 Canadians were diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) [1] and many survivors face physical and psychological-related side-effects for years post-treatment, including upper extremity (UE) impairment (e.g., lymphedema and impaired shoulder range of motion (ROM)). [2] The current model of healthcare in Canada lacks systematic, accessible, and timely screening mechanisms to detect these impairments at an early stage. Survivors rely on infrequent clinical visits, subjective to symptom recognition, or manual self-monitoring methods that are prone to error and difficult to interpret. As a result, impairments are often under-recognized, under-managed, and progress to more severe functional limitations that could have been mitigated.

To address this gap, the StrongArms-Cancer mHealth system was created to measure UE volume and ROM, automate data tracking and trend analysis, and deliver tailored self-management strategies based on user-specific data specifically for survivors of BC. Encompassed in the invention is a digital goniometer (to measure UE ROM), a ‘Moon Wand’ which measures UE volume, and an App which measurements from the wand are transmitted to. Together the system tracks and records changes in measurements over time and can support clinical decision making for survivors and healthcare providers.

Applications

• Integration into at-home, self-management strategies.
• Integration into healthcare systems.

Advantages

• User friendly and improves reliability compared to self-measurement techniques.
• Tracks measurements over time and supports early detection of UE impairments.
• Reduces reliance on in-person clinical assessments, improving accessibility.
• Empowers survivors to take an active role in their rehabilitation.
• The first self-care tool for BC survivors to monitor UE volume.
• Reduces patient and healthcare system costs.