Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP)
The Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) is a free six-month home-based mind-body program developed in Canada to improve the physical and mental health and quality of life of people diagnosed with prostate cancer. The program is provided in Aotearoa New Zealand in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
Empowering Men with Prostate Cancer to Live Healthier, Fuller Lives
About PC-PEP
What Does the Program Offer?
PC-PEP provides a structured six-month program delivered through daily emails and videos, offering practical strategies to help men thrive after a prostate cancer diagnosis. Program highlights include:
- Aerobic & Strength Training: Guided exercise videos with free elastic bands provided.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Exercises to improve urinary control and sexual function.
- Stress Reduction Techniques: A free heart rate coherence biofeedback device to help manage stress.
- Dietary Support: Weekly cooking videos and expert advice on maintaining a healthy diet.
- Intimacy & Connection: Guidance to enhance relationships and preserve sexuality.
- Social Support:
- Optional buddy and mentor pairing based on identity and preferences.
- Monthly Zoom videoconferences with program leads and other participants.
- Local Resources: Links to local support groups in New Zealand for additional help.
How to Enrol
You may qualify for the program if:
- You have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- You can access daily emails and YouTube videos.
- You are willing to complete 4 online surveys over 2 years.
To join:
- Visit: PCPEP.org
- Email: PCPEP@PROSTATE.ORG.NZ or call 0800 477 678 (NZ)
| INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR: Mr. Cody MacDonald pep@nshealth.ca +1 902 473-7727 | PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Dr. Gabriela Ilie Gabriela.Ilie@dal.ca |
| LEARN MORE BY VISITING WWW.PCPEP.ORG +1 902 473-7727 | NEW ZEALAND COORDINATOR PCPEP@PROSTATE.ORG.NZ 0800 477 678 |
WHAT IS PC-PEP NZ?
Join PC-PEP: Empowering Men with Prostate Cancer
PC-PEP offers a comprehensive 6-month program that delivers daily emails and videos to teach and encourage:
- Aerobic Exercise & Strength Training: Guided videos using provided (free) elastic bands to enhance physical fitness.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Exercises designed to improve urinary control and enhance sexual function.
- Stress Reduction Techniques: Utilizing a provided (free) heart rate coherence biofeedback device to manage stress effectively.
- Dietary Advice: Weekly cooking videos and relationship guidance to promote intimacy and connection.
- Optional Social Support: Access to a mentor and buddy system, along with monthly videoconferences with co-participants, extending beyond the initial 6 months.
- Local Support: Links to local support groups and resources to further assist you on your journey.
Join us in empowering men with prostate cancer to lead healthier, more connected lives.
Meet the Team
New Zealand Leadership
Peter Dickens, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand – Te Kāhui Mate Pukupuku Repe Tātea o Aotearoa Manatōpū
- Principal Coordinator for PC-PEP in New Zealand and Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, PC-PEP Principal Coordinator NZ
- Leader of New Zealand’s leading men’s cancer charity, supporting 3,500+ annual prostate cancer diagnoses.
Contact: PCPEP@PROSTATE.ORG.NZ | X: @PCFNZ | Linkedin
PCFNZ (Te Kāhui Mate Pukupuku Repe Tātea o Aotearoa Manatōpū) is providing support and education to the thousands of New Zealanders affected by the disease every year. Prostate cancer is the number one cancer in Kiwi men, more than 3500 are diagnosed with it every year and more than 650 die from it. With early detection leading to better outcomes it is important that men are aware of the signs of potential disease and also of the screening tests that are available from their doctor. PCFNZ plays a significant role in raising public awareness, advocating for patients, spearheading research and providing comprehensive support services including an online forum, 40+ support groups & networks across the country, welfare grants and an 0800 Helpline [0800 477 678].
International Leadership
Dr. Gabriela Ilie, PhD, PC-PEP Program Co-Creator and International PC-PEP Scientific Lead
- Principal Investigator and Scientific Lead of PC-PEP.
- DMRF Endowed Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life and Associate Professor at Dalhousie University.
- Awarded the 2024 Public Impact Award for her groundbreaking work in prostate cancer quality of life research.
Contact: Gabriela.Ilie@dal.ca | LinkedIn: Gabriela Ilie, PhD | X: @GabrielaIDr
Dr. Gabriela Ilie is a Dalhousie University Endowed Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life and an Associate Professor in the Departments of Community Health and Epidemiology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, Psychology, and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. Dr. Ilie is also an Affiliated Scientist with the Nova Scotia Health Authority and Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, as well as a Scientist with the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute. Dr. Ilie has led the development of the Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP), working closely with scientific and clinical teams to create this transformative initiative. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, her research focuses on improving the quality of life for prostate cancer patients and advancing patient-centered care. Gabriela is the recipient of the 2024 Public Impact Award, sponsored by Research Nova Scotia, Canada, recognizing her exceptional contributions to research and its impact on society. Dalhousie University profile for Dr. Ilie, www.pcpep.org
Dr. Rob Rutledge, MD, FRCPC, PC-PEP Program Co-Creator and International PC-PEP Clinical Lead
- Co-Investigator and Program Clinical Lead.
- Radiation Oncologist treating prostate, breast, and pediatric cancers.
- Active collaborator in PC-PEP research since 2017.
Contact: Dalhousie University Page | LinkedIn: Dr. Rob Rutledge
Dr. Rob Rutledge, co-creator of the Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) and International Clinical Lead for the Program, is a highly experienced Radiation Oncologist with over 28 years of clinical practice at the Nova Scotia Health Authority and Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Specializing in the treatment of Prostate, Breast, and Pediatric cancers, Dr. Rutledge has dedicated his career to advancing patient care and improving outcomes. Dr. Rutledge’s academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, a Certificate in Community Health and Clinical Epidemiology, and a Doctor of Medicine degree, all from the University of Toronto. His medical training comprises a Comprehensive Internship in Medicine at Queen’s University, Kingston, and a Radiation Oncology Residency Program at the University of Ottawa. In addition to his clinical and academic work, Dr. Rutledge has an extensive track record of patient engagement and advocacy. He has delivered over 300 public talks to cancer patients and patient organizations worldwide, sharing his knowledge and inspiring hope. He also led a cancer charity for 15 years, further demonstrating his commitment to empowering patients and supporting their journey. Dr. Rutledge began collaborating with Dr. Gabriela Ilie and her team in 2017, contributing his clinical expertise to the development and refinement of the PC-PEP program. This partnership highlights his passion for providing evidence-based tools that empower patients to take control of their health and enhance their quality of life.Dalhousie University profile for Dr. Rutledge, pcpep.org.
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Cody MacDonald, MSc, International Project Lead Coordinator in the Dalhousie University’s Soillse Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research Lab
- PC-PEP International Project Coordinator.
- MSc student in Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University.
- Passionate advocate for improving quality of life for prostate cancer patients.
Contact: PEP@NSHealth.ca | LinkedIn: Cody MacDonald
Cody is PC-PEP’s International Project Lead Coordinator in the Dalhousie University’s Soillse Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research Lab. Cody serves as the International Project Lead Coordinator for PC-PEP within the DMRF Soillse Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research Laboratory. His journey with the Soillse Lab began in the summer of 2018 as a student volunteer. From May to August 2019, he held a Research Assistant Practicum position, later transitioning to the role of Research Coordinator within the lab. A graduate of Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences, Cody developed a keen interest in epidemiology and community health research during his studies. Beyond his academic pursuits, he has been actively involved with a non-profit mental health charity for several years, driven by a deep passion for improving quality of life. Originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Cody is enthusiastic about coordinating impactful research projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for prostate cancer patients in the Maritimes and beyond. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities, including cycling through the city, hiking along the coast, and traveling.Connect with Cody on LinkedIn. LinkedIn Profile, pcpep.org
Monthly Video Conferences
When: First Tuesday of every month at 11:00 AM NZ time.
What: A chance to connect with program leads, fellow participants, and partners. Special breakout rooms are available for partners.
Additional Support and Mentors
Participants in PC-PEP are automatically designated as Research Citizens, contributing to program development and offering insights. Mentor roles include:
- Indigenous Populations Lead
- LGBTQ+ Outreach Coordinator
- Community Knowledge Translation Activities
For mentorship opportunities, contact PCPEP@PROSTATE.ORG.NZ.
Key Mentors:
- Nick Aiken: Lead for young men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- John Moody: Lead for men who opt for Active Surveillance.
- Ross MacDonald: Outreach International Lead.
- Pat MacDonald: Partners’ Support Lead.
- Bernie Petolas: National Outreach Lead, Canada.
Learn More
For additional information, resources, or to enrol, please visit:
- Website: www.pcpep.org
- Contact NZ: PCPEP@PROSTATE.ORG.NZ | 0800 477 678
Together, we’re empowering men with prostate cancer to live healthier, fuller lives. Join us today!