BreastCancerPEP: A Six-Month Online Empowerment Program to Improve Mental and Physical Health in … (NCT07392424) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
BreastCancerPEP: A Six-Month Online Empowerment Program to Improve Mental and Physical Health in Women With Breast Cancer
Canada160 participantsStarted 2026-03-15
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
19 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion 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.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Proportion of participants with clinically significant psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 ≥20)
Timeframe: 6 months after randomization (Day 183 ± 2 days)
. 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
. 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.