How a Hong Kong app is a ‘vital lifeline’ for 76,000 patients navigating cancer care

Hongkonger Susan Tam, 70, used to wake in the middle of the night, desperate for relief from an unbearable, relentless itch caused by her cancer medication.Tam, diagnosed with lung cancer a few months ago, tried applying regular moisturiser to soothe severe skin rashes, but in vain.She also used aqueous cream, a staple from her time working in a care home for the elderly, and even turned to hot water to numb the irritation, only to find it further inflamed her condition.A visit to a family doctor yielded little help, resulting only in more ointments and advice to consult her primary oncologist.“I did not feel unwell or sick from the cancer at all, until I started taking the cancer drugs,” Tam recalled.“Fortunately, when I was first prescribed the medication, a nurse advised me to download a mobile app that allowed me to contact her with any questions.”