Effectiveness of developing a self-management mobile app on the quality of life of women with breast cancer: a study in a developing country Running Title :Impact of a self-management app on breast cancer patients' quality of life

Background: Self-management involves taking responsibility for your own health and taking the initiative to do so. This can be accomplished by learning information and skills that will help you deal with the difficulties you may encounter during and after your cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a self-management mobile app for women with breast cancer and evaluate of in Iran impact it on the quality of life of patients. Method: This study is a methodological study in 2021. We developed the app during three phases. The QLACS questionnaire and Excel software were used to collect and analyze the data. A total of 24 breast cancer patients were included in the study. Result: Among the most significant changes were in the Quality of Life level, highest respectively: social avoidance (pre: 6.41 – post: 3.56), negative feelings (pre: 5.93 - post: 3.40), sexual function (pre: 6.80 - post: 5.04), sexual interest (pre: 6.41 - post: 4.75) and pain (pre: 6.37 - post: 4.97). And least the changes respectively: distress-family (pre: 7 - post: 7), distress-recurrence (pre: 4.49 - post: 4.38), benefits (pre: 2.47 - post: 3.12), appearance (pre: 4.10 - post: 3.32). Conclusion: Breast cancer patients' quality of life can be improved by providing more targeted content through more accessible tools such as mobile apps.