New innovative online App to help reduce risk of developing cancer

Two Letterkenny based nurses have helped pioneer a new web based application that offers the latest research free to the public on helping prevent cancer.

The simple to use website hosts a range of information on how to help reduce your risk of developing cancer.

The research work contained in the “Stop Cancer” app, has been conducted by Advanced Nurse practitioner, Dr Janice Richmond and Clinical Research Nurse, Mary Grace Kelly, both from the Oncology Department of Letterkenny General Hospital.

Mary Grace explains that the site is full of up-to-date information on how to reduce your risk of cancer by making appropriate lifestyle changes.

It features six areas online viewers can explore including topics such as: Diet, Smoking, Alcohol, Weight, Exercise, Sun/Sunbeds, Food for Thought quiz and the Myths.

Their research took place in 2014 and the duo sought to assess the knowledge and perception of the lifestyle risk factors for developing cancer among people in Ireland who have had cancer.

Anonymous questionnaires were posted to a sample of 620 individuals who had cancer and who were attending follow-up clinics in Letterkenny and Beaumont Hospitals with almost 70% of these questionnaires returned to the researchers.

From the responses obtained they identified that people require clear and concise information so that they can make lifestyle changes to help prevent cancer or reduce their risk of a previous cancer coming back.

“It is not just an app for people who have had cancer, it is for anybody, as the information is still the same. It helps to clear up a lot of things that you may here about what people say prevents you against cancer. It is more about pairing the information back and saying this is the latest research in the various areas,” Mary Grace explained.

The site was developed in conjunction with local technology firm, Sendmode, who are based Letterkenny’s Co-Lab, next to LYIT. To access this site, go to  http://stopcancer.support

Picured above with the HSE Cancer App are Janet Richmond, Mary Grace Kelly and Barry Murphy, Sendmode. Photo - Clive Wasson.