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NCT Number: NCT07392424

BreastCancerPEP: A Six-Month Online Empowerment Program to Improve Mental and Physical Health in Women With Breast Cancer

This study is evaluating a six-month, home-based Patient Empowerment Program (Breast Cancer PEP) for women receiving treatment for newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer. The program provides daily guidance on physical activity, arm and shoulder rehabilitation, stress-reduction practices, healthy lifestyle habits, and social support, all delivered through online videos, emails, and optional group sessions.

The purpose of the study is to learn whether this program can reduce psychological distress and improve overall well-being compared with standard cancer care. Psychological distress will be measured using a simple questionnaire called the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). The study will also look at general health, quality of life, and participants' experiences with the program.

A total of 160 women across Nova Scotia will take part. Participants will be randomly assigned to start the program right away or to receive standard care for six months before getting access to the program. Everyone will complete online questionnaires at the beginning of the study and again at 6 and 12 months. A small number of participants may also be invited to take part in optional interviews to share their experiences.

Researchers will also explore how participants use the digital program, what parts are most helpful, and whether the program could be offered more broadly in the future. The trial is being conducted across all Nova Scotia Health zones and coordinated through the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

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Key information

Conditions

Breast Cancer Behavior Breast Diseases Breast Neoplasms Empowerment Health Behavior Neoplasms Neoplasms by Site Patient Acceptance of Health Care Patient Participation Personal Satisfaction Psychological Well-Being Skin Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Social Behavior Treatment Adherence and Compliance

Age range

19 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V7, Canada

Location contact

Gabriela Ilie, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

902-989-4114

About this study

Breast Cancer PEP (BC-PEP) is a six-month, home-based, digitally delivered supportive-care program designed for individuals undergoing treatment for newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer. The program integrates physical activity, upper-limb rehabilitation, mindfulness, nutrition education, and self-management strategies. BC-PEP is based on prior PEP programs evaluated in Atlantic Canada, which demonstrated high feasibility and strong participant engagement.

In this randomized, wait-list-controlled trial, participants assigned to the early-intervention arm begin the 6-month BC-PEP program immediately after randomization, while participants in the wait-list control arm receive standard care for 6 months before initiating the same program. All participants are followed for approximately 12 months to assess intervention effects and longer-term outcomes. Randomization and allocation procedures are conducted centrally, and the study is implemented across multiple Nova Scotia Health sites.

Intervention Delivery:

BC-PEP is delivered primarily through automated daily emails generated via REDCap over 182 consecutive days. Each email provides a structured set of activities, including:

Progressive aerobic activity designed to meet oncology-specific guidelines Twice-weekly resistance-training sessions using household equipment or elastic bands Daily stretching and upper-limb rehabilitation exercises aligned with surgical recovery timelines A 10-minute daily mindfulness or relaxation practice Short educational modules addressing sleep, stress coping, communication, body image, and nutrition

Participants have access to a video library with instructional content, may engage in an optional peer-support "buddy system," and are invited to monthly videoconference sessions with study clinicians.

Implementation and Engagement Monitoring Engagement metrics are collected throughout the program, including weekly adherence surveys, email-open rates, video-view data, and participation in monthly sessions. Implementation outcomes will be examined using a Hybrid Type I effectiveness-implementation approach guided by the RE-AIM framework.

This digital, low-cost program is designed to be scalable and accessible across diverse geographic regions. Study findings are intended to inform the effectiveness and implementation potential of BC-PEP as part of routine supportive cancer care.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Participants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Age ≥ 18 years.
  • Diagnosis: Biopsy-confirmed invasive breast cancer.
  • Treatment Plan: Scheduled to undergo breast cancer surgery, with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
  • Medical Safety for Exercise: Able to safely participate in low-to-moderate physical activity and light resistance training based on study screening. Participants with a history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or other significant cardiovascular conditions within the last 12 months require documented medical clearance from a Family Physician, Oncologist, or Cardiologist.
  • Residence: Resides in Nova Scotia and able to participate in a province-wide, digitally delivered program.
  • Digital Access and Literacy: Regular access to email and the internet on a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Able to open emailed links and navigate online videos and surveys (caregiver assistance permitted). Has an active email account or willingness to create one and check it daily.
  • Language Ability: Able to read, speak, and understand English sufficiently to follow program content and complete study questionnaires.
  • Study Participation Requirements: Willing and able to complete online questionnaires at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Willing to complete weekly self-reported compliance surveys during the 6-month intervention period.

Exclusion criteria

Participants will be excluded if any of the following apply:

  • Medical Contraindications: Myocardial infarction, stroke, or other major cardiovascular event within the past 12 months without medical clearance indicating safety for exercise. Any medical, orthopedic, neurological, or other condition that would preclude safe participation in a home-based physical activity program.
  • Digital Access Limitations: Inability to access the internet or lack of a device necessary to receive daily emails or view program videos. Inability to navigate online videos or survey links, even with caregiver assistance.
  • Participation Limitations: Unwillingness or inability to complete required questionnaires or engage with digitally delivered program components.

Treatment and study plan

Breast Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (BreastCancerPEP)

Behavioral

The Breast Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (Breast Cancer PEP) is a 6-month, home-based digital behavioural intervention delivered through daily automated emails containing structured physical activity guidance, resistance-band and body-weight strength training, yoga and stretching routines, arm and shoulder rehabilitation exercises, mindfulness and relaxation practices, and lifestyle education modules. Optional peer-support check-ins and monthly videoconference group sessions are included. Intervention content is standardized through a 182-day pre-programmed email and video library. Participants in both study arms receive the same intervention content, with timing dependent on randomization assignment.

Primary outcomes

  1. Proportion of participants with clinically significant psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 ≥20)

    Time frame: 6 months after randomization (Day 183 ± 2 days)

    Proportion of participants scoring ≥20 on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 (K10) at 6 months after randomization. The K10 is a validated 10-item measure of psychological distress with scores ranging from 10-50, where higher scores indicate worse distress.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 total score)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in total score on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 (K10) from baseline to 6 and 12 months. The K10 ranges from 10-50, with higher scores indicating worse distress. This outcome complements the primary binary measure by assessing psychological distress as a continuous variable.

  2. Change in health-related quality of life (SF-12v2 Physical and Mental Component Scores)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in SF-12v2 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores from baseline to 6 and 12 months. Scores range from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better health status.

  3. Change in health utility score (SF-6D)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in SF-6D health utility score derived from SF-12v2 responses. Scores range from approximately 0.29-1.00, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.

  4. Change in cancer-specific quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; Baseline to 12 months.

    Change in EORTC QLQ-C30 domain scores. All scales transformed to 0-100. Higher scores indicate better functioning for functional scales and worse symptoms for symptom scales; higher global health = better QoL.

  5. Change in breast cancer-specific quality of life (EORTC QLQ-BR23)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; Baseline to 12 months.

    Change in QLQ-BR23 domain scores (0-100). Higher functional scores indicate better functioning; higher symptom scores indicate worse symptoms.

  6. Change in self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-item Scale)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in SEMCD-6 total score. Scores range 1-10; higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy.

  7. Change in patient activation (Patient Activation Measure-13)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in PAM-13 total score. Scores range 0-100; higher scores indicate greater activation.

  8. Change in generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD-7)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in GAD-7 total score. Scores range 0-21; higher scores indicate greater anxiety.

    Time Frame: Baseline to 6 months; Baseline to 12 months.

  9. Change in cognitive function (PROMIS® Short Form v2.0 - Cognitive Function 8a)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in PROMIS Cognitive Function 8a T-score. T-scores typically range ~20-80; higher T-scores indicate better cognitive function.

  10. Change in upper-limb disability and symptoms (QuickDASH)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in QuickDASH total score. Scores range 0-100; higher scores indicate greater disability/symptoms (worse function).

  11. Change in menopause symptoms (Menopause Quick 6)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in MQ-6 total score (6 items; scale scoring varies by version). Higher scores indicate more severe menopause symptoms.

  12. Change in social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in MOS-SSS summary score (and/or subscales). Scores transformed to 0-100; higher scores indicate greater perceived social support.

  13. Change in body weight (self-reported kilograms)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in participant self-reported body weight (kg) from baseline to 6 and 12 months.

  14. Change in diet quality (Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants - Shortened v2)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in REAP-S v2 total score. Scores range from 0-60; higher scores indicate healthier dietary habits.

  15. Self-reported adherence to cancer treatment

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Proportion of participants reporting full adherence to prescribed cancer treatment(s) via questionnaire.

  16. Clinically verified adherence to cancer treatment

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Proportion of participants documented as adherent in medical records.

  17. Number of hospitalizations (administrative data)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Count of all-cause hospitalizations per participant from linked administrative data.

  18. Number of physician billing events (administrative data)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Count of physician billing events per participant from linked provincial administrative databases.

Other outcomes

  1. Participant satisfaction with program components (0-10 rating scale)

    Time frame: At 6 months (post-intervention)

    Participant-reported satisfaction with individual components of the Breast Cancer PEP program, assessed via a post-intervention survey. Each component (e.g., aerobic exercise, diet, mindfulness practices) is rated on a 0-10 Likert-type scale, where 0 = not at all helpful and 10 = extremely helpful.

  2. Participant adherence to program activities (weekly self-report surveys)

    Time frame: Throughout 6-month intervention

    Percentage of prescribed weekly PEP activities completed, based on participant self-report surveys.

  3. Change in physical activity (self-reported minutes per week)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months; baseline to 12 months

    Change in self-reported weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Cody MacDonald, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

902-237-6277

Gabriela Ilie, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

902-989-4114

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gabriela Ilie

Other

Collaborators

  • Dalhousie University
  • Nova Scotia Health Authority
  • Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre

Registry information

Official study title

BreastCancerPEP: A Randomized Trial of a Six-Month Online Empowerment Program to Improve Mental and Physical Health in Women With Breast Cancer

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2029
First posted
Feb 6, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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