AGARWAL: Wellness Tech 101: Get the ‘download’ on tracking your health | Opinion

When it comes to fighting and preventing cancer, we are getting smarter every day. While every advance in cancer research teaches us more about how to fight the disease, new advances in technology are also equipping patients with novel tools for prevention and early detection.

Knowing and listening to your body is especially important during cancer treatment. Telemedicine, wearable technology and smartphone applications make it more convenient than ever to take control of your health.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine, sometimes referred to as telemedicine, isn't new, but the COVID-19 pandemic is expanding the use of technology that allows patients and providers to meet virtually via computer, smartphone, or tablet. Telemedicine gives patients direct access to a range of providers and specialists, and saves time and money by restricting travel. While telemedicine does not completely eliminate the need for patients to travel for certain aspects of treatment and for in-person appointments, patients can connect with their care teams from the comfort of their own home between in-person treatments.

Wearable technology

As a potentially life-saving accessory, wearable technology is more than a fashion statement. Smart devices like watches usually rest right on your skin, which allows for close monitoring of cancer-related risk factors like physical activity. According to the American Cancer Society, 26% of adult Americans report no recreational activity, and the National Cancer Institute reports that nearly 70% of adults are considered overweight or obese. Smart watches can help you keep track of your daily activities. They contain personalized goals and reminders that encourage you to get up and move around. There is evidence that losing as little as 5% to 10% of body weight can lead to improved health, and maintaining an active lifestyle can reduce the risk of diseases, including cancer.

For those already battling cancer, physical activity has been shown to improve the quality of life. The benefits of regular exercise include a lower risk of heart disease. healthier bones, muscles, and joints; improved balance and circulation; reduced nausea and fatigue; a lower risk of anxiety and depression; improved self-esteem; improved skills for maintaining social contacts and quality of life; and more control over weight.

Health apps

Smartphone applications - commonly referred to as apps - can help you track and manage your health in a way that is tailored to your needs and health goals. Health apps can help you monitor specific symptoms such as weight, mood, sleep, and diet, as well as track patterns and see changes in your symptoms over time. By consistently logging symptoms in health apps, you can collect important data to guide your health decisions and possibly pass them on to a doctor. Research has shown that patients who used apps to track their symptoms typically had a higher quality of life with cancer patients.

Health apps can also help you achieve goals like quitting smoking. Almost one in five deaths in the US is related to smoking, and 30% of all cancer deaths are attributed to smoking. Smoking cessation apps can help users stay accountable and on track while trying to quit smoking.

Taking an active role in your health is important, and technology is making it easier than ever to do just that. As with anything new, there is a learning curve - but the results could reveal details and patterns that will help you and your care team better manage your symptoms so that it is well worth the time invested.

Ashwani Agarwal, MD, is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology-Corsicana, 301 Hospital Drive in Corsicana, Texas. More information is available at TexasOncology.com.

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