Improving outcomes for young women with breast cancer
We asked young women who had previously been diagnosed with breast cancer to help us understand their needs to help us develop an app to better support, empower and inform young women living with and beyond breast cancer. We are calling the app ‘Sapphire’.
Our Vision
For Sapphire to be guided by you: women who have been through similar experiences to those who will be using the app in the future. Your insights are highly valuable and will add meaningful contributions to Sapphire.
Thank you to all the incredible women who have contributed to the growth and success of Sapphire. Your feedback, support, and dedication have been invaluable, and we appreciate everything you've done to help in Sapphire's development.
About This Study
Approximately 5% of new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women 40 years of age and under. The purpose of this study is to help understand the unique psycho-social needs of young women with breast cancer and to develop an online self-management tool (an app) to help support these needs.
We interviewed 36 women who were living with or beyond breast cancer about their experiences. Using what we heard in these interviews we are developing an app to better educate, support and empower women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age.
Sapphire
Updates
Check here for all the latest updates on Sapphire
September 2024
We are excited to announce Sapphire has been approved in the Apple Store. Search up "Sapphire YWBC" to take a look.
August 2024
We are excited to announce that we now have a test app and are undergoing user testing to gather feedback regarding Sapphire's mental health resiliency content, along with the forum chat feature.
January 2023
Some exciting news in Sapphire's development, we will be partnering with Headversity, a Calgary based company! Headversity focuses on unique educational curriculum topics such as coping and resiliency—which will give users valuable skills during their breast cancer treatment and provide unique, customized content focused on the needs of young women.
October/November 2023
Thank you so all the women who participated in focus groups regarding Sapphire content and feedback on the app's features. Your insights were all greatly appreciated.
July and August 2022
Thank you so much to those who participated in the digital storytelling workshops and Sapphire focus groups! We really appreciate your time and hope you enjoyed the experience.
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Currently, we are reviewing all the feedback gathered from the focus groups and are prioritizing content to be included in the Sapphire app.
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Sapphire has been mentioned at multiple conferences this summer, and we are engaging with a developer with exciting goals for the end of the year.
If you have any further suggestions or questions regarding Sapphire, please reach out to us through the contact form below. We welcome and appreciate any insights you may have.
Contact Us
Have any suggestions or questions regarding Sapphire? Fill out the contact form and let us know.