Researcher Background
Dr. Gabriela Ilie is an Associate Professor and Endowed Soillse Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on cancer survivorship, integrating clinical epidemiology, behavioral medicine, and digital health innovation to improve mental health and quality of life for patients. She is the scientific lead and co-developer of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP), a multi-component survivorship intervention now adopted as standard of care in Nova Scotia and being scaled nationally and internationally. Through the Movember Health Equity project, Dr. Ilie is advancing PC-PEP to address disparities in access and outcomes, ensuring equitable, patient-centered recovery models for men with prostate cancer.
Purpose of this Research Project
Prostate cancer survivors often face persistent psychological distress, urinary challenges, and lifestyle disruptions that significantly impact quality of life. The Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) is a free, six-month, home-based survivorship intervention designed to address these needs through evidence-based strategies. Delivered entirely online, PC-PEP provides daily email guidance with short videos and practical exercises, complemented by monthly live Zoom sessions with clinicians, researchers, and peers. Optional supports include buddy systems, mentorship, and a moderated online community to foster social connection.
The program integrates multiple components: structured physical activity, twice-weekly video-guided strength training, progressive pelvic floor muscle exercises to improve urinary continence, stress reduction and mindfulness practices, and practical nutrition tips for healthy weight management. PC-PEP has demonstrated significant reductions in psychological distress, improved urinary function, and healthier lifestyle habits in randomized trials, while being cost-effective for health systems.
Phase 4 of this research is a global implementation study with sites in every Canadian province and international partners. In Ontario, active sites include Sinai Health (Dr. Chris Wallis) and Lakeridge Health (Dr. Ernest Chan), with new sites opening at Sunnybrook and Ottawa. Participants across Ontario can join remotely, as the program is centrally coordinated and fully home-based. Supported by a Movember health equity grant, this study prioritizes outreach to underserved communities, including Black men, Indigenous populations, LGBTQ+ individuals, younger men, and those in rural or remote areas. Findings will inform tailored strategies to optimize program delivery and ensure equitable access to survivorship care worldwide.
How this Research Will Help 2SLGBTQ+ People and Communities
This research directly addresses critical gaps in prostate cancer care for LGBTQ+ individuals by ensuring that survivorship support is inclusive, responsive, and tailored to their unique needs. We have already begun this process through a dedicated LGBTQ+ stakeholder conference, engaging participants, mentors, and buddies to share insights on what works and what needs improvement.
A key message was that LGBTQ+ patients often feel invisible in prostate cancer care. In response, we have adapted program content to increase representation and relevance, including revising video messages, creating personal one-on-one podcasts featuring LGBTQ+ experiences, and enhancing visibility across all platforms.
Our first goal is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment with at least 30 LGBTQ+ participants to identify specific challenges and priorities. Next, we will evaluate PC-PEP within this community and gather feedback through surveys and interviews. Based on this feedback, we will adapt the program—such as adding new modules and featuring LGBTQ+ leaders in program content—and then test the revised program with a new cohort to ensure improvements are effective.
The anticipated impact includes:
• Inclusive Care: A tailored PC-PEP model that reflects LGBTQ+ experiences and addresses unique psychosocial and health needs.
• Improved Health Outcomes: Demonstrated mental and physical health benefits for LGBTQ+ participants.
• Knowledge Translation: Publishing findings to inform provincial cancer care systems and advocate for equity.
• Community Empowerment: Building networks that connect LGBTQ+ patients, mentors, and healthcare providers to foster ongoing support.
By achieving these goals, this research will help transform prostate cancer survivorship care into a more equitable and affirming experience for LGBTQ+ communities.
Eligibility & Participation
Participants must:
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have a history of prostate cancer diagnosis (self-reported)
• Be medically cleared for low- to moderate-intensity physical activity and resistance training
o Individuals with a past minor stroke or heart condition require approval from their family physician or cardiologist
o Individuals with advanced prostate cancer require approval from the study physician or their urologist/oncologist
• Have an existing email account or be willing to create one
• Be willing and able to access daily emails and/or text messages
• Be able to follow website links and view program videos (e.g., on YouTube)
• Understand and speak English or French
• Be able and willing to participate in low- to moderate-intensity physical activity and strength training
• Be able and willing to complete online surveys at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months, plus weekly compliance surveys during the six-month program
• Have an expected survival greater than two years
Compensation
Participants are not financially compensated; however, they receive full access to the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) at no cost. This includes six months of structured, evidence-based survivorship support delivered entirely online, daily guidance through videos and emails, monthly live group sessions with clinicians and peers, and optional mentorship and community support. The program is designed to provide significant benefits for mental health, physical well-being, and overall quality of life—free of charge.
Participant Support & Mitigation Measures
Most program activities pose minimal risk, aside from the possibility of exercise-related injury. Some questionnaires include questions about health, substance use, and lifestyle habits, which may feel uncomfortable or upsetting. Participants may skip any questions they do not wish to answer.
To support participants, contact information for the research team—including the Principal Investigator and Clinical Lead—is provided. Participants also receive a link to national mental health resources: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html.
Participants may pause or discontinue surveys or the program at any time.
How to Participate / Recruitment
The study is actively promoted across Canada and internationally through partner sites, hospital and clinic networks, and collaborating investigators. In addition, we leverage multiple outreach channels, including:
• The official program website: https://pcpep.org
• A podcast series featuring participant voices and experiences: https://pcpep.org/podcast/
• Flyers and posters in clinical settings
• Digital advertisements and social media engagement
• Email campaigns targeting healthcare providers and support groups
These strategies aim to maximize awareness among patients, clinicians, and community stakeholders, ensuring broad and inclusive participation.