The Heart of Empowerment

When Mike Hull was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he and his wife Barb found themselves in unfamiliar territory.

“We didn’t know what to do, where to go, or how to help ourselves,” Barb recalls. “We were looking for something—anything—that could give us a sense of control.”

While searching for support online, Barb discovered the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP)—a resource that she and her husband came to describe as a lifeline during a time filled with uncertainty.

Developed by Drs. Gabriela Ilie and Rob Rutledge at Dalhousie University, PC-PEP is a six-month, science-based, daily intervention program designed to empower patients with prostate cancer to take charge of their health and well-being.

But it’s more than a program—it’s a movement.

Science-based, human-focused

PC-PEP is the result of nearly a decade of research and refinement. It began in 2016 with a simple but powerful idea: that patients need more than pamphlets in waiting rooms—they need tools, education, and community.

The program delivers 182 daily emails and video modules featuring Dr. Ilie, the Endowed Soillse Research Scientist in Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Research, and Dr. Rutledge, a radiation oncologist. These videos cover everything from nutrition and exercise to mental health and stress management.

But what makes PC-PEP unique is its personal touch.

“We don’t just prescribe—we demonstrate,” says Dr. Ilie. “We do the program alongside our patients. We show up from our own kitchen, in our patient’s kitchens, in their living rooms, and in their lives.”

This immersive, human-centered approach is backed by rigorous science. Participants report improved sleep, better diets, increased physical activity, and enhanced mental health.

“We are activating the role of the patient in their own care,” says Dr. Ilie. “That’s the heart of empowerment.”

A lifeline for patients and families

For Mike and Barb, PC-PEP didn’t just improve Mike’s health—it strengthened their relationship and gave them a renewed sense of purpose.

“It’s been life-changing,” Barb says. “We watched the videos together every day. It gave us something we could do, something within our control.”

Mike adds, “It’s a safe space. You meet people across Canada and beyond, and you share things you wouldn’t share anywhere else. It’s powerful.”

The Hulls are now advocates of the program, attending monthly video conferences and supporting others who are just beginning their journey.

“We tell people: you’re not alone,” says Barb. “This program saved us.”

Designed for Real Life

Brought to life through generous donations to support medical research at Dalhousie University, —and the Soillse Research Fund Endowment, generously established by Frank and Debbi Sobey, and supported by many other donors, PC-PEP is designed to be accessible and adaptable.

Participants can engage from anywhere, at any time, and tailor the program to their own pace and needs. Whether it’s walking instead of running, incorporating more home cooking instead of following a strict diet plan, or simply watching the videos with a loved one, the program meets people where they are.

“You take what you need from it,” says Dr. Ilie.

And it’s not just for patients. Partners are encouraged to participate, creating a shared experience that strengthens relationships and builds resilience.

“It’s not just about the person with cancer,” says Barb. “It’s about both of us. We’re in this together and Rob and Gabriela are in it with us.”

Expanding the Vision

PC-PEP has grown beyond prostate cancer. It’s been adapted for other types of cancer and has been tested and proven in other chronic illnesses, with trials underway across Canada and in New Zealand, and sites in countries around the world.

The evolution into CancerPEP—a comprehensive initiative designed to support individuals facing all types of cancer—recognizes that the emotional, physical, and social challenges of cancer are not limited to a singular diagnosis.

New modules, expanded in scope to include breast, colorectal, and other cancers, incorporate specialized physiotherapy, nutrition, and mental health strategies while maintaining the core PC-PEP philosophy: daily engagement, evidence-based guidance, and compassionate mentorship.

“We’re building a platform that truly makes a difference,” says Dr. Ilie. “Knowledge is power, and we want to empower people.”

Thanks to the recent $500,000 Movember Health Equity Grant, the program is also being tailored for underserved communities, including rural men, Indigenous populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Mike, who sits on the Board of Directors for the Native Council of Nova Scotia (NCNS), has been instrumental in sharing the program with Indigenous communities across the province.

“Reaching people everywhere—regardless of geography or status—is essential,” he says. “Everyone deserves access to this kind of support.”

With translations in French, Spanish, Dutch, Romanian, and many more languages, PC-PEP is becoming a global movement.

“We’re building communities of empowerment,” says Dr. Ilie. “People become mentors, advocates, and leaders.”

The program’s cost-effectiveness is also compelling. A published analysis showed that for every 10,000 patients, the healthcare system saves approximately $6.6 million annually. And that doesn’t include the personal savings for patients and families.

How you can help

Nova Scotia has some of the highest cancer rates in the country, a stark reality that many of us face in our own families, friendships, and communities. Prevalence in the province is partially due to a combination of modifiable lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and socioeconomic disparities that vary across regions.

Avoidable factors like smoking and alcohol use, poor diet, and lack of physical activity are topics covered in the PC-PEP program. The modules inspire change through cooking videos, exercise techniques, mindfulness, and more.

The research behind PC-PEP is donor-funded, and donations help expand the scientific evidence that helps the program evolve and deliver impact. Currently the research team is running a breast cancer PEP research trial, which needs additional funding.

“This program improves health, reduces strain on the system, and gives people hope,” says Barb.

Mike adds, “There’s science behind it. It works. And it could be someone in your own family who needs it.”

With one half of Nova Scotians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and one in three succumbing to the disease, the chances of cancer touching a loved one are great.

As the program continues to grow, the vision of Dr. Ilie and Dr. Rutledge is clear: make PC-PEP the standard of care for cancer and chronic disease patients, and to help as many people as possible.

Learn more about PC-PEP and how you can support the program.

EMPOWER: What does it mean to truly live, even when life feels uncertain?

Finalist at the Mosaic International Film Festival and Official Selection at CineHealth Film Festival, Empower is a moving documentary that follows four cancer survivors and the creators of the Patient Empowerment Program (PEP). More than a film, it’s a story of resilience, humanity, and community—showing how simple daily practices like movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and connection can transform lives.