Welcome to the "Prostate Cancer - Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast," Episode Number 1. We're excited to launch our very first episode. Whether you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, are currently undergoing treatment, or are navigating life post-diagnosis, this podcast is for you. I’m one of your hosts, a Scientist whose work is about creating evidence based interventions with the engagement of patients, to help cancer patients lead better quality lives. Co-hosting with me in next episodes is our program’s co-founder, Dr. Rob Rutledge, a prostate cancer oncologist from Nova Scotia, Canada. Together, Rob and I developed PC-PEP and other cancer types empowerment programs through listening to patients, incorporating their feedback into the strategies we adopted by diving deep into research to create a program designed to empower people (and their partners) with practical, evidence-based strategies that helps them reclaim their life after a prostate cancer diagnosis. We want people to feel confident, informed, and in control because we believe you should not let a prostate cancer diagnosis ruin your life and spoil your precious moments with the people you love. So we are excited to introduce this podcast to you.

Extending from Canada to the far reaches of the globe, including our New Zealand site led by Peter Dickens from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, PC-PEP reaches out to men and their partners with insights, with wit, a touch of humor, and practical guidance to enhance your prostate cancer journey.

In this inaugural episode, we introduce John Moody from South New Zealand, who shares his heartfelt journey with his wife through his diagnosis and their choice of active surveillance—a path that suits them well. This episode is full of inspiration, practical advice, and firsthand accounts of how the PC-PEP can truly transform lives.

John participated in our comprehensive six-month PC-PEP program, which empowered him to prioritize his happiness and well-being, resulting in a stable decrease in his PSA levels even after completing the program. For John, opting for active surveillance and focusing on self-care has enabled him to live fully, unburdened by constant PSA check-ups. It's a truly uplifting story that reminds us of the power of making informed, empowering choices even in challenging times.

Each episode will dive into real stories that showcase how individuals reclaim their power and zest for life. Our program goes beyond symptom management; it's about fostering real, transformative change. These podcasts talk about the various eight essential areas of the program: pelvic floor physiotherapy, intimacy and sexuality, nutrition with simple, budget-friendly plant-based recipes that Rob and I present weekly from our kitchen social support, aerobic and strength training, attitudinal healing, scientific updates, and stress management using a heart-rate variability and cohearance tool. These elements collectively contribute significantly to enhancing both mental and physical health.

Join us as we explore these compelling narratives and discover how you, too, can be part of this transformative journey. Together, we're not just tackling prostate cancer; we're changing how it's addressed globally.
For those interested in joining the PC-PEP program, it is available for free to anyone worldwide who speaks English. Learn more by visiting us at PCPEP.org. For those who prefer not to participate in a research trial, you can access our cancer empowerment program outside of research at CancerPEP.com. The Video Version of this Podcast can be found on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/Q5HL7flIjB4. Welcome, everyone!

EMPOWER YOURSELF!