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.