The Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program - PC-PEP - Podcast
Welcome to the "Prostate Cancer - Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast," where we focus on empowering individuals facing prostate cancer with evidence-based strategies, practical insights, and heartfelt stories. Whether you're newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or navigating life beyond diagnosis, this podcast is designed to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.
Co-hosted by a scientist specializing in patient-centered interventions and Dr. Rob Rutledge, a prostate cancer oncologist from Nova Scotia, Canada, this podcast offers a blend of research-backed advice, expert guidance, and real stories from those who have walked this path. Together, we dive into the many facets of our PC-PEP program, from stress management and physical fitness to nutrition, intimacy, and building a strong support network. Each episode features inspiring personal journeys, practical tips, and the latest updates to help you live well with prostate cancer.
We believe that a diagnosis doesn't have to define your life. Our mission is to help you feel confident, informed, and in control—empowering you to focus on what truly matters. Join us as we explore the experiences and wisdom of men and their partners, offering insights, a touch of humor, and the encouragement to reclaim your vitality and well-being.
PC-PEP is available for free to anyone worldwide who speaks English. Learn more at PCPEP.org, or explore our cancer empowerment program outside of research at CancerPEP.com. Tune in and become a part of our global community dedicated to thriving beyond prostate cancer.
The Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program - PC-PEP - Podcast
"No One Should Go Through This Alone": A Gay Man’s Journey from Silence to Empowerment — PC-PEP Podcast Episode 6
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast.
In this powerful episode, I speak with David Ashcroft, a gay man living on an island near Chester, Nova Scotia, who shares his deeply personal journey through prostate cancer — from shock and isolation to connection, knowledge, and empowerment.
When David was diagnosed, he was living in a remote area with no access to support and little information about what lay ahead. Facing fear, depression, and uncertainty, it was a chance encounter with a PC-PEP poster that changed everything.
David takes us through:
- The emotional toll of diagnosis and waiting for surgery
- The mental health challenges and stigma men — especially gay men — face when navigating cancer care
- The transformative power of finding PC-PEP and helping establish a safe, open, and affirming space for gay menin the program
- The importance of knowledge, community, and patient leadership in survivorship
This episode is a call to action to ensure that all men — regardless of sexual orientation, geography, or background — have access to programs that see them, support them, and empower them.
🔹 Listen to the episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/
🔹 Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/mHrAvbgsx4E
🔹 Learn more: www.pcpep.org
🔹 Learn more (for all other forms of cancer): www.cancerpep.com
Please listen, share, and help us spread the word: No one should face prostate cancer alone.
Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer — we’re transforming how we live beyond it.
EMPOWER YOURSELF!