A Birmingham-based startup app has raised its seed round.
Fighting Cancer Network, an app that uses video to deliver knowledge to cancer patients and their caregivers, recently raised $800,000 in seed funding. The initial funding was used to launch the first version of the app, which includes video content for breast cancer and prostate cancer, two prevalent cancers in women and men.
The Fighting Cancer Network app aims to be a “cancer companion” that patients and physicians can use following a diagnosis, featuring a library of video content and animations curated for each patient’s diagnosis and where they are in their cancer journey.
"As a radiation oncologist, I see so many patients and their families struggle to find reliable and accessible information on their cancer diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Lee Burnett III, vice president of medical content. "Fighting Cancer Network app fills a crucial gap by helping patients learn about their disease, from diagnostics to treatment options, and more, all presented in a way that inspires them to take an active role in their treatment.”
The app features information aligned with the recommendations of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Additional features include a personal journal called “My Story” for patients to share their cancer journey and gain support from a network of patients and doctors from around the country. The app also features notes, a glossary of medical terms and medication reminders.
"I witnessed the need for clear, understandable cancer information firsthand when my wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2015,” said Matt Scalici, co-founder of Fighting Cancer Network. “Fighting Cancer Network aims to provide cancer patients with a digital engagement platform that houses tools to reduce anxiety, improve relationships with their doctors and lead to overall better outcomes.”
Funding is now underway for the next phase of the app, which will include content for the seven most prevalent cancer categories and other resources. The recent seed round comes about a year after the startup unveiled it raised $500,000 in July.
