AstraZeneca (AZ) has launched a new smartphone and iPad app to help UK men suffering from prostate cancer manage their condition.

The free Prostate Assistant app for iPhone and Android smartphones and Apple's iPad provides cancer information and management tools and an easy way for users to contact their GP and hospital.

John Calleary, a consultant urologist at North Manchester General Hospital, who advised AZ on the app's development, said: “The new Prostate Assistant mobile application is a valuable tool for men with prostate cancer who not only want to know more about their condition, but who also want to continuously update their records and communicate directly with their doctors.

“Innovative healthcare technology is important as it provides patients with a private and flexible way of communicating that can enhance their interactions with healthcare professionals.”

The app provides access to prostate cancer information, and allows users to manage medical appointments.

There is also the facility for users to record notes and monitor their PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels, a blood test that helps to detect and monitor prostate cancer.

In addition to helping men to find health information for their condition, the Prostate Assistant app also includes essential direct e-mails and calls connectivity with their GPs and hospitals.

It's the first mobile app for patients AZ has produced, but the company has launched a number of other smartphone and iPad apps.

These including the EMLA Parent Planner app, for parents manage their child's day (and immunisation schedule), and two apps for doctors – AZ Quest cardiology app and the Lung Cancer – EGFR mutation testing app.

• Links to AstraZeneca's mobile apps and a wide range of other pharma mobile apps can be found in the Digital Handbook