App of the Week: Boost Breast Cancer Awareness

As a geek guy, breast cancer isn't really a natural subject for me or this blog, nor can I admit to any expertise on the topic (even though the wife of a friend of mine is a breast cancer survivor).

But if big burly NFL players and other Men With Heart can wear pink to help raise awareness during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I guess I can put aside my own discomfort on the topic for a day.

I got an email from an app store called Appitalism, highlighting five free iPhone breast cancer apps (and follow the links; the search engine on the Appitalism site is awful):

Keep a Breast: This prevention app from the Keep A Breast Foundation teaches you how to give yourself a breast exam at home and sets up an automatic exam reminder.

Breast Health GPS: Using your iPhone's GPS capabilities, this app locates the nearest certified mammogram screening center. It also includes access to a Web site with more information, advice and smart phone wallpapers.

Your Man Reminder: I find this idea a bit on the tacky side. It's similar to the instructional "Keep a Breast," but this app has an attractive man remind you to check your breasts.

Breast Cancer: Beyond the Shock: This is a resource, first and foremost, designed to provide more information for those who were diagnosed with breast cancer or who have a loved one who was. This is a resource for information, as well as inspirational thoughts and stories if you need a boost.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Guide: This app is designed for those diagnosed with breast cancer and who want to access one source for information, including medical illustrations, personalized articles, and other helpful information. The app walks you through your reports and the tests, so you'll know what's going on.

Since I have no experience in the matter, I don't feel qualified to judge which or any of these are more helpful or more comforting than another. But the information behind the provided links ought to give you a sense of what each app can provide.

And, besides – they're all free.