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Providing tools for post-mastectomy patients to manage recovery and rebuild resilience

problem

In the current cancer-care landscape, a significant gap exists between acute inpatient care and post-discharge recovery. For patients required to continue treatment at home, there is often a lack of structured guidance to navigate the complexities of rehabilitation. Current systems frequently fail to address the multifaceted needs of these patients, including long-term physical rehabilitation, intense emotional fluctuations, and a diminished sense of self-confidence.

solution

To bridge the post-surgical care gap, this project introduces an integrated wearable and SaaS ecosystem for breast cancer rehabilitation. This human-centered solution rests on two pillars: precise physiological tracking of lymphedema, a condition of localized swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system often associated with recovering from breast cancer surgeries, and a structured framework designed to mitigate anxiety by helping patients visualize their real- time recovery progress as they undergo post-surgical changes.

Interviews with Oncology PhDs in Shanghai Jiao Tong University and patients reveal that breast cancer survivors face both physical pain and psychological stress regarding their lost femininity. Due to a lack of medical knowledge, many mistake normal bodily changes for cancer recurrence. This fear destroys their confidence in recovery, creating a vicious cycle.

Furthermore, 70% of patients stop treatment after five months. They often feel overwhelmed by the "endless" rehabilitation process and the high costs involved.