Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Anna Schwartz PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN, the CEO at Coleman Health, LLC about Cancer Exercise

Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.

My interest in exercise for cancer patients came from personal and professional experience. When I first got out of nursing school I worked in a bone marrow transplant unit and saw that patients who moved more did better. That set me on my life's work researching the benefits of exercise during and following cancer treatment. We now know exercise is beneficial for many outcomes (fatigue, depression, functional ability, strength, quality of life, and more) and that it helps reduce the risk of recurrence and development of second cancers. Unfortunately, most people don't have access to specialized exercise oncology programs. So, i decided to use the years of research data i had to figure out how to deliver an individualized exercise program that adapted to each person. The best way to get programs to people throughout the world is via the internet. So the app was created.

How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?

Cancer Exercise is the first and only app scientifically designed for cancer survivors. It provides an easy to use, individually tailored exercise prescription that considers the user's type of cancer, stage, type of treatment and previous exercise before delivering an exercise program With each use the app adapts the exercise prescription to the user's fatigue or energy level. Exercise not only improves side effects of cancer and it also helps people tolerate treatment better. Exercise is key to maintaining strength and independence to pursue activities that are meaningful.

What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?

The coolest part of the app is that it provides a tailored exercise program for each user. Exercise varies based on how the person is feeling and progressing. The latest update to the app added:

• Ability to add custom workouts (record any type of exercise)

• View workout history (past workouts data)

• Option to do an additional workout

• Improved user interface

• Motivational messages

• More informational messages

• Data exported to iOS Health and Google HealthKit

What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?

The most rewarding part of this work is making a difference for people - helping cancer survivors live better and improve their quality of life.

What surprised you most in your journey to create this app?

The complexity of app development and time needed for extensive testing and revision. I collaborated with InspiringApps. They did all the programming and we collaborated on many great ideas for development and ongoing refinement of the app.

How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?

Cancer Exercise is available for both iOS and Android devices. My goal is to make it available to people worldwide.

Which other mobile apps or technology have inspired you?

I'm always looking at apps - the colors, layout, ease of use. I don't think there was any app that really inspired me. The app evolved directly out of my research and work and the goal was to make a user friendly app that would help cancer survivors of all ages and abilities feel better and live better.

What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?

I want to add several features such as a social networking feature. Many people have asked for the app to be translated into Spanish which is another future goal.

Do you have any recommendations or advice for others wanting to create a mobile app?

Creating an app takes time and a great team. The fantastic work by InspiringApps was critical in the success of Cancer Exercise.