Apps aid in breast cancer struggle Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Master Sgt. Erine Gallant 60th Surgical Operations Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Pink. It's everywhere right now from the pages of a magazine, to the sleeve of a favorite take-out coffee cup. It has even found its way onto the jerseys of NFL players, but with good reason. As many are aware, October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month. Over the years, information on breast cancer awareness was relayed through a variety of channels including posters, pamphlets, magazine articles and news stories but information sharing methods have evolved with the changing times. With the advent of both the internet and the smart phone, information is literally at an individual's fingertips. What better way to leverage this technology than to access applications specifically designed in support of breast cancer awareness? There are a plethora of applications available for users through Apple's App Store or Google Play for Android users. These applications include screening tools, informational references and support networks. Below is a sampling of available applications readily downloadable: Early Detection Plan: Breast Cancer Price: FREE · Allows users to set/manage breast self-exam reminders · Create an exam history timeline · Find exam clinics in your local area Breast Cancer: Beyond the Shock Price: FREE · Comprehensive online guide to understanding breast cancer · Features stories from breast cancer survivors Brisk Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Price: FREE · Means of assessing age-specific risk of breast cancer for women with history of breast and/or ovarian cancer Dr. K's Breast Checker Price: FREE · Uses interactive tools to track SBE and changes on realistic breast diagram to share with your doctor · Allows users to set-up automated SBE reminders MyBCTeam Price: FREE · Only social network dedicated to breast cancer survivors and those recently diagnosed Breastcheck Price: FREE · Includes video demonstrating how to perform SBE · Allows user to set reminders for SBE B4BG: Boarding for Breast Cancer Price: FREE · Provides instruction on accomplishing monthly SBE · Allows user to set reminders for SBE in-tune with monthly menstrual cycle · Multitude of health and wellness information geared towards active women Daisy Wheel Price: FREE · Designed for use with girls grades 5-12 · Introduces importance of and how to perform SBE utilizing the "Daisy Wheel" technique · The "Daisy Wheel" method is now incorporated in curriculum of many schools · Provides links to their website and Facebook pages As a reminder, this is merely a selection of applications available for smart phones or tablets. There are many more applications available for discovery and use. Think of each application as a tool added to the arsenal in the fight against breast cancer through awareness. The National Cancer Institute reminds everyone that "when breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent." Those odds are worth fighting for! If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns regarding breast cancer with your primary care provider, or to set-up a breast cancer screening exam, please contact the David Grant USAF Medical Center's central appointment line at 423-3000 to schedule an appointment.