Cancer Patient Empowerment Program: Phase 2 Feasibility Study

CancerPEP Phase 2 Randomized Trial: Feasibility of a Comprehensive Cancer Patient Empowerment Program Providing Immediate Versus Delayed Stress Reduction Biofeedback Equipment

The Cancer Patient Empowerment Program is a comprehensive health promotion program aiming to improve the quality of life as well as both physical and mental health in cancer patients and survivors. The program includes daily email communications over 6 months that encourage strength and aerobic exercise, yoga, stress reduction techniques, dietary improvements, and more.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >18.
• History of a cancer diagnosis as per the participant's report.
• Safe to exercise and do strength training. Participants who have recovered from a minor stroke or heart condition in the past will require approval from their Family Physician or Cardiologist to participate in the study.
• Participants with advanced cancer (including cancer spread to bones) will need approval from the Study Physician or their Oncologist to participate.
• Existing (or willingness to create) email account and willingness to access email daily.
• Ability to follow website links to watch YouTube videos.
• Ability to understand and speak English.
• Ability to participate in low to moderate levels of physical activity and strength training.
• Ability and willingness to fill out an online survey at baseline, and 6, 12 and possibly 24 months, and a weekly compliance survey for the six months of the program.
• Deemed to have an expected survival greater than 1 year and expected to be well enough to complete the six-month training

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients deemed unfit to participate in low to moderate level exercise e.g., including but not limited to a myocardial infarction or stroke within the last year, without approval from their Family Physician or Cardiologist that they are safe to exercise.
• Unable to access the internet and lack of a computer or smartphone to receive emails required for study intervention, or unable to click on a link to successfully watch a YouTube video.
• Those with a predicted survival less than 1 year, or not expected to be able to participate in the program for six months.