Since launching in 2023, the MySunrise - Cancer Companion app has helped people across the West Midlands feel more informed and supported through their cancer journey.
Currently available at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, this free app gives patients and their loved ones easy access to expert information and practical tools.
Here are five ways the MySunrise app is helping:
The app provides clear, up-to-date information about your local hospital’s cancer services. From clinics and treatment areas, to cancer information centres and more. Short videos featuring doctors, nurses, and staff from your hospital introduce the team and explain what to expect from treatment as well as information about where you will receiving that treatment. This includes information about parking, transport options, and on-site facilities so patients and families can plan their visits with confidence. You’ll also hear personal stories from local patients, offering encouragement and reassurance.
MySunrise is filled with expert information on common cancers, covering all the stages from diagnosis, through treatment and onto follow up. It has been written by medical experts and explains all you need to know about common treatment types (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery). It also informs patients about managing side effects, emotional wellbeing, and clinical research. The app also offers specific guidance on the most common types of cancer – breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, head and neck and prostate. This helps patients feel informed and prepared for each stage of their care.
It is now well recognised that people who take steps to prepare for cancer treatment — by improving their fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing — often experience better outcomes and recover more quickly. This is known as ‘prehabilitation’. The MySunrise app offers expert advice on prehabilitation, including:
• Simple ways to stay physically active, whatever your ability
• Tips for eating well to support your body during treatment
• Support for looking after your emotional and mental health
• Improving lifestyle factors such as: getting more sleep, giving up smoking and reducing alcohol
MySunrise is helping new cancer patients with bespoke videos that introduce them to local hospital settings and real staff members before their treatment begins. These personalised videos are designed to provide comfort, clarity, and support to patients as they navigate their cancer journey. Recognising the region’s rich cultural diversity, the videos are available with subtitles in the most commonly spoken local languages – including Hindi, Bengali and Polish – ensuring key information is accessible and inclusive for all.
It’s easy to contact your cancer team or access local support through the app. You can contact your cancer team, including your clinical nurse specialist, directly using the Contact Centre of the app. This connects you directly to the right people via your smartphone.You can also find local support groups and get connect to local cancer information centres, which will help you feel connected and supported during and after your treatment.
What patients and staff are saying
“This app is a huge step forward in how we support people through their cancer treatment.” - Stavroula Chante, Lead Cancer Nurse,Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals
“At the push of a button, people can find everything they need to know about their treatment and local support.” - Kelly Morris, Macmillan Facilitator, Walsall Healthcare
The MySunrise Cancer Companion app is free to download and available now for people receiving cancer care inSandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton — as well as their loved ones and carers.
Download it now from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or visit mysunrise.co.uk/download to find out more.
