Acceptance, Perceived Usefulness, and Data Sharing in Mobile Health Apps Among Patients With Breast Cancer: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) apps promise to enhance patient empowerment, enable real-time health monitoring, and support self-management. Patients with breast cancer stand to benefit particularly from these capabilities, given the demanding pre- and posttreatment procedures they face. However, the effective adoption of these tools is challenged by issues including accessibility, usability limitations, and privacy concerns.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the current usage behavior and attitudes toward mHealth apps among patients with breast cancer in Germany, focusing on acceptance, usefulness, empowerment, and data-sharing. Specifically, we aimed to identify the incentives and barriers influencing use and the intention to use mHealth apps at the time of this writing to guide their further implementation and use.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2023 and June 2024 using a structured questionnaire developed in German. Participants with a self-reported breast cancer diagnosis were recruited via university hospital channels, patient associations, and social media. Topics included technology and health app usage, perceived usefulness, personal empowerment, and attitudes toward data sharing. The survey comprised both closed- and open-ended questions to capture quantitative patterns and qualitative insights into participants' experiences and perspectives.

RESULTS

We collected responses from 90 participants with breast cancer. Participants demonstrated high engagement with digital technology; 97% (87/90) reported daily smartphone use, and 70% (63/90) owned a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Approximately 67% (60/90) of respondents had used health apps in the past year, with many relying on general fitness and lifestyle apps to support their health management. Most participants (62/90, 69%) indicated that health apps contribute to a better understanding of their personal health. Health apps were generally perceived as useful, with users highlighting their ability to provide continuous support and timely, reliable health information (n=31). This, in turn, was seen as instrumental in promoting self-management and empowerment. Respondents also showed a conditional willingness to share personal health data for research, particularly when clear benefits for treatment advancements were evident (n=82). Nonetheless, concerns were raised regarding data privacy, app usability, the need for multiple apps to cover all necessary features, and the potential increase in fear of illness (cyberchondria).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings underscore the potential of mHealth apps to empower patients with breast cancer by improving health literacy and supporting self-management. To maximize their impact, future digital health tools must align closely with patient needs by incorporating adaptive, interactive features and integrating seamlessly with clinical care. Addressing key barriers-particularly data privacy and usability issues-is essential for broader adoption. Longitudinal studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term effects of health app usage on patient empowerment, quality of life, and clinical outcomes.