Health Technology: Tools to Empower Your Journey

These days, a cellphone is much more than just a phone – it’s a photo album, a GPS, a stereo system, an encyclopedia, a computer, a gaming system, a calendar, and more, all in the palm of your hand – but did you know it can also be a useful tool during your lymphoma journey?

According to the President’s Cancer Panel’s November 2024 report, over half of adults in the United States reported having used a mobile health app within the past year. With the rise of mobile phones and wearable tech tools, mobile health technology, otherwise known as mHealth, is becoming an increasingly popular way for patients, survivors, and care partners to take an active role in managing their health, getting connected, and navigating the complexities of a lymphoma diagnosis.

While health technology tools aren’t a replacement for the resources and education you receive from your healthcare provider, they can be a great addition to make managing your care and your health a smoother, less overwhelming process.

What to Look for in a Health Tech Tool

With countless apps and tools available to download, which ones would be most helpful for you to explore? The answer depends on the type of support you’re looking for and where you are in your treatment journey. But some tools that may be helpful are:

Symptom trackers: As you go through treatment, you’re likely to experience a wide range of side effects that might change and evolve in intensity over time. It can be helpful to keep a log to track these side effects so that you can bring up any concerns or changes to your care team.

Appointment reminders: A lymphoma diagnosis usually comes with a myriad of appointments that can be difficult to schedule, coordinate, and keep track of. Whether you use a dedicated reminder tool that offers the ability to take notes or record voice memos about specific appointments, or rely on your device’s built-in calendar, keeping a digital record of past and upcoming appointments can help you stay organized.

Lab counts: While your care center’s electronic health records (EHR) system will typically have your lab results available to access, it can be helpful to store them in an app to have them easily accessible on the go.

Staying connected: A lymphoma diagnosis can be a stressful and scary time. It can be helpful to reach out to loved ones and keep people in your life updated on your journey. There are social media networks like CaringBridge that provide an easy way to share updates with those closest to you, or peer support networks like the Foundation’s Lymphoma Support Network that give you a way to connect with fellow lymphoma patients, survivors, and care partners who understand what you’re going through.

Wearables: Fitness Watches, Rings, and More

The rise of wearable health technology tools, including smartwatches such as the Apple Watch, or wearable fitness trackers like the Oura Ring or a Fitbit, has made it easier than ever to track health metrics like sleep quality, step count, vital signs, and more.

When managing your lymphoma, wearable tools can be a helpful way to monitor your health in the moment and have instant access to your body’s well-being. They can also help you to manage other aspects of your health, by giving you an easy way to stay on top of fitness and physical activity, which can help keep the body strong and reduce anxiety and fatigue, as well as making sure you’re getting the quality sleep that’s crucial to adequate rest and recovery.

Getting Educated on Your Care

No matter what type of health technology tools you choose to explore, one of the most important steps you can take during your lymphoma journey is getting educated and better understanding your diagnosis.

From our subtype-specific learning centers and library of video content to support service options like our trained Helpline and free patient education programs, the Lymphoma Research Foundation makes it easy to learn more about your diagnosis and be an active partner in your care journey from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and beyond.