Researchers created a smartphone app called POSTHOC to help cancer survivors manage their health after treatment ends. The app lets people track their symptoms, diet, and exercise in one place instead of using paper forms. In a study with 34 cancer survivors, those who used the app for 12 weeks reported feeling better overall and had fewer memory problems compared to people using traditional paper plans. While the app wasn’t used as much as hoped, the results suggest that digital tools could be a helpful part of cancer survivor care.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a smartphone app that organizes cancer survivor care information works better than a paper plan for helping people feel better after cancer treatment
  • Who participated: 41 cancer survivors who had finished their main cancer treatment within the past 12 weeks. About 34 people completed the full study, with roughly two-thirds using the app and one-third using traditional paper plans
  • Key finding: People using the POSTHOC app reported greater improvements in overall symptom burden (how much symptoms bothered them) after 12 weeks compared to those using paper plans. They also reported fewer memory problems and less trouble walking
  • What it means for you: If you’re a cancer survivor, a digital app might help you manage side effects and symptoms better than paper forms. However, this is early research, and the app needs improvements to be more user-friendly and encourage regular use

The Research Details

This was a phase I/II randomized controlled trial, which means researchers randomly assigned cancer survivors to either use the new POSTHOC app or receive a traditional paper survivorship care plan. Two-thirds of participants got the app, while one-third received the standard paper plan. Everyone was tracked for 12 weeks with check-ins at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Researchers measured how much symptoms bothered people, what they ate, and how much they exercised using devices like Fitbits. They also asked app users how easy the app was to use and how helpful they found it.

This research approach is important because it tests whether a digital tool actually helps cancer survivors in real life, not just whether it’s technically possible to create one. By comparing the app to standard care, researchers could see if the app made a real difference in how survivors felt. The 12-week timeframe captures an important period right after treatment when survivors need the most support

This study is a well-designed randomized controlled trial, which is considered strong evidence. However, the sample size was small (only 34 people completed it), so results should be viewed as promising but not definitive. The study was designed to test whether the app was feasible and acceptable, not to prove it works, so the symptom improvements are considered exploratory findings that need confirmation in larger studies

What the Results Show

The POSTHOC app showed promise but had some challenges. When researchers looked at how often people actually used the app, about half of participants recorded their symptoms or diet at weeks 6 and 12. This was lower than the researchers hoped for (they wanted 75% usage). Users rated the app’s usefulness as moderate, giving it a score of 3.5 out of 10 at week 6 and 4.3 out of 10 at week 12. On a standard usability scale where 70 or higher is considered good, the app scored 62.7 at week 6 and 65.7 at week 12—slightly below average for smartphone apps. Despite these challenges, people using the app reported feeling better overall. Their symptom burden decreased more than the group using paper plans, with a meaningful improvement that was statistically significant

Beyond overall symptom improvement, the app group showed specific benefits in two areas: memory problems improved more in the app group, and people reported less trouble with walking. These improvements were modest but measurable. Interestingly, when asked about conversations with their doctors about healthy eating and exercise, most survivors wanted more of these discussions. On average, they rated their satisfaction with these conversations as 2.6 out of 5, suggesting doctors and survivors need better communication about lifestyle changes

This research builds on earlier work showing that survivorship care plans help cancer survivors transition from active treatment to long-term health management. Previous studies showed that paper-based plans are helpful, but they can be hard to update and access. This study tests whether moving these plans to a smartphone app makes them more useful. The findings align with growing evidence that digital health tools can support cancer survivors, though this study shows that simply creating an app isn’t enough—it needs to be easy to use and engaging

The study had several important limitations. The sample size was small, with only 34 people completing the study, so results may not apply to all cancer survivors. The app wasn’t used as much as researchers hoped, which makes it harder to know if lack of results would be due to the app not working or people not using it. The study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer. The study didn’t track whether people actually changed their diet or exercise habits, only that they recorded this information. Finally, the app’s usability scores suggest it needs improvement to be more user-friendly

The Bottom Line

If you’re a cancer survivor, a digital survivorship care plan app may help you manage symptoms and side effects, but it works best when combined with regular conversations with your healthcare team about healthy lifestyle changes. The evidence is promising but still early-stage, so discuss with your doctor whether this tool might help you. Make sure any app you use is easy to navigate and doesn’t feel like a burden to use regularly

This research is most relevant for cancer survivors in the first few months after completing treatment, when managing side effects and planning for long-term health is critical. It’s also important for doctors, nurses, and cancer centers looking to improve how they support survivors. People who are comfortable using smartphones and want to track their health digitally may find this especially helpful. However, if you prefer paper-based planning or don’t use smartphones regularly, traditional survivorship care plans remain a valid option

Based on this study, you might expect to notice improvements in how you feel within 12 weeks of using the app regularly. However, this is a short timeframe, and longer-term benefits aren’t yet known. Real improvements likely depend on consistently using the app and acting on the information it helps you track

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your three most bothersome symptoms daily or every other day using the app’s symptom logging feature. Rate each symptom on a scale of 0-10 to see patterns over weeks and identify what helps reduce them
  • Use the app’s diet and activity logging features to set one specific, achievable goal each week—such as a 15-minute walk three times per week or adding one extra vegetable to dinner. Log your progress to build momentum and identify barriers
  • Review your symptom, diet, and activity logs every two weeks to identify trends. Share these summaries with your healthcare provider during check-ups to guide conversations about managing side effects and improving your health habits

This research is preliminary and should not replace guidance from your oncologist or healthcare team. The POSTHOC app is still being studied and is not yet widely available for clinical use. If you’re a cancer survivor experiencing symptoms or side effects, discuss all treatment and management options with your doctor. This summary is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making changes to your health care plan or lifestyle based on research findings.