The Science of Daily Education and Empowerment
Patient Empowerment Program
What Is BreastPEP?
BreastPEP is a customized version of the Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (CancerPEP), tailored specifically for individuals affected by breast cancer.
It is a comprehensive, daily, home-based, 6-month / 26-week empowerment program designed and delivered by an oncologist and a psychology professor-scientist team. Participants receive a daily email and short PEP video that guide, demonstrate, and motivate them to engage in evidence-based, health-promoting practices from home.
BreastPEP is designed to support participants early in their breast cancer care pathway by helping them build healthy routines that support physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Who Can Join the BreastPEP Trial?
To join the BreastPEP clinical trial, you must be recently diagnosed with breast cancer and not yet have started breast cancer treatment.
Interested participants can contact our research team to complete an eligibility assessment and learn more about potential enrolment.
Hybrid Delivery Model
BreastPEP is delivered in a hybrid format designed to meet participants where they are.
Participants receive daily emails and short videos covering all program components. Once a month, participants are invited to meet live online as a group for connection, coaching, education, and support. This blended approach provides the structure of daily at-home practice with the encouragement and accountability of real-time sessions.
What the BreastPEP Program Includes
Breast-Cancer-Specific Arm and Shoulder Physiotherapy Module
BreastPEP includes specialized physiotherapy videos designed to support mobility, strength, range of motion, and lymphatic health after breast cancer surgery or treatment. These videos promote safe recovery and long-term upper-body function.
Aerobic Exercise
The program includes aerobic exercise, qi gong, and yoga to support cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being.
Strength Training With Guided Follow-Along Videos
Participants receive a progressive strength-training program with multiple levels of difficulty, using elastic resistance bands provided as part of the program.
Anti-Cancer Nutrition Guidance
BreastPEP includes nutrition education supported by cooking videos that demonstrate simple, evidence-informed, anti-inflammatory recipes.
Relaxation, Stress-Reduction, and Breathwork Techniques
The program teaches relaxation, stress-reduction, and breathwork practices to help participants regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and build emotional resilience.
Relationship, Connection, and Resilience Skills
BreastPEP includes education and practical tools to support communication, meaning-making, emotional well-being, and social connection.
Monthly Live Online Sessions
The program includes live monthly online videoconferences with the program leads, Dr. Gabriela Ilie and Dr. Rob Rutledge, and fellow participants. Participants may also choose to join an optional Facebook support group.
Throughout the program, participants learn the science of healthy habit formation — how to build sustainable routines, strengthen motivation, and let go of habits that no longer serve their well-being.
Click play on the introductory video below to learn more.
Watch Our Documentary: Empower
To watch our documentary, Empower — winner of Best Documentary at the 2025 Mosaic International Film Festival— please click the link below.
What does it mean to truly live, even when life feels uncertain?
Interested in BreastPEP?
To enrol in BreastPEP or to learn more, please contact our research team:
Email: PEP@nshealth.ca
BreastCancerPEP — Check Eligibility / Request to Enrol Form
You may also complete our eligibility and enrolment interest form, and a member of our research team will contact you. BreastCancerPEP is currently recruiting participants in Nova Scotia only.
bcpep.org 