- Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Canada, but early detection can save lives. PocketHealth is rolling out new breast health tools designed to make it easier for people to stay proactive in managing their breast health and detecting cancer earlier.
- With the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) expanding screening eligibility to those as young as 40 later this month, PocketHealth’s tools promote early detection through personalized risk assessment, notifications for screening eligibility and follow-up care recommendations. These tools empower individuals to assess their breast cancer risk, manage mammogram eligibility based on regional guidelines and better understand their screening results.
- Available first in Ontario, PocketHealth’s Breast Health tools simplify complex medical terminology in mammogram reports, detect and surface recommendations for follow-up imaging and provide personalized questions for patients to ask the doctor.
- With screening eligibility being expanded, these tools are an especially critical resource for individuals aged 40-49 who may be new to regular mammograms.
TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ – PocketHealth today announced the launch of new breast health support tools within its platform designed to help patients more effectively manage their breast health journey. The tools empower individuals with personalized breast cancer risk assessments and streamlined mammogram management, aiming to increase early detection of breast cancer and give patients greater control over their breast health.
Despite breast cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, accounting for 25% of all new cancer cases, more than 40% of eligible women in Ontario have not been up to date on their mammograms over the past decade.
While screening recommendations and access vary by province or territory, early detection remains critical, with a 99% five-year survival rate when breast cancer is caught early. To address gaps in screening access and participation, PocketHealth’s new breast health tools are designed to provide essential support for individuals to manage their screenings, better understand their personal risk and take proactive steps in their breast health journey.
Key features include:
- Personalized risk assessment: Calculates personalized breast cancer risk scores at no cost, providing both five-year and lifetime risk estimates using an industry-standardized model.
- Screening eligibility alerts: Sends early mammogram screening notifications to eligible patients aged 40-49 in Ontario and provides support with booking a mammogram.
- Improved understanding of breast health: Defines complex medical terminology in mammogram reports and highlights follow-up recommendations, enabling patients to better understand their breast imaging results.
- More control with personalized breast health insights: Provides comprehensive support throughout the imaging journey, offering personalized questions for patients to ask their doctor at the next appointment as well as notifications for recommended follow-ups like further imaging or biopsy.
“PocketHealth’s breast health tools are a significant advancement in how individuals can proactively manage their breast health,” said Kaelynd Gouveia, Group Product Manager, PocketHealth. “From personalized risk assessments to support throughout the screening process, we’re giving people the tools they need to take charge of their health and make decisions with confidence knowing they have the right information at the right time.”
As the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) expands eligibility to include individuals as young as 40 starting in October 2024, PocketHealth’s tools deliver timely, personalized guidance. The tools ensure individuals act quickly, stay on top of critical screening and proactively manage their breast health reducing the risk of missed opportunities for early detection.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, PocketHealth gave me a sense of control during a time that felt completely uncontrollable. I was able to review my report on my own terms and prepare my questions,” said Patti A., a breast cancer survivor. “Having instant access to essential medical information, especially during breast cancer screening, is critical. Early detection saves lives, and being able to take charge of your health journey by accessing your records in real-time brings both peace of mind and empowerment.”
The new tools will be available to eligible patients across Ontario before expanding to other regions across North America.
About PocketHealth
PocketHealth is the only patient-centric image sharing platform, enabling patients to easily access and engage with their diagnostic imaging records. By eliminating any network image-sharing dependencies, PocketHealth seamlessly integrates into healthcare systems and creates efficiencies and cost savings for providers while putting patients in control of their healthcare journey. PocketHealth is trusted by over 800 hospitals and imaging centers across North America and is used by more than 1.5 million patients. Learn more at pockethealth.com.
SOURCE PocketHealth
Featured Image: Megapixl @ Stokkete
