mHealth Application Use Among Cancer Patients in Varna, Bulgaria: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background/Objectives: Nowadays, the implementation of modern digital technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients is growing worldwide. Therefore, the use of mobile health applications by cancer patients deserves special attention. This investiga-tion aims to analyse oncological patients’ attitudes to the use of mobile health applica-tions for improvement of the effectiveness and quality of cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as at identifying the main advantages and challenges of patients’ usage of mobile health applications. Methods: In 2025, an anonymous survey was conducted among 238 cancer patients (128 women and 110 men) in Varna, Bulgaria. The frequency and types of mobile health applications used were assessed, along with perceived benefits and chal-lenges related to monitoring patients’ physical status. Data were analysed using descrip-tive statistics, variation analysis, and Pearson’s χ² test. Results: Most cancer patients were aged 61–64 years. Mobile health applications were used by 31.51% of patients, mainly for medication and examination reminders. These apps were most frequently used for medi-cation intake and medical examination reminders, particularly among female patients. Easy access to health-related information was identified as the main benefit of monitoring physical status. The most commonly reported challenge was insufficient time for regular data entry and updates. Conclusions: Our results showed that patients with cancer had a positive attitude towards using mobile health applications to monitor their physical sta-tus. These patients also shared several benefits and challenges, proving the need for fur-ther research into this popular topic.