RESILIENCE: Improving health behaviours for life after endometrial cancer trial

The RESILIENCE study aims to explore whether a digital wellness platform with guidance from healthcare professionals could help people with endometrial cancer live a healthier life and lower the risk of heart problems.

RESILIENCE: Improving health behaviours for life after endometrial cancer trial

Principal Investigator: Dr. Carla Prado

Researchers have discovered that people with endometrial cancer are more likely to develop heart conditions after treatment, especially if they have excess body weight or a large waist size. Healthy behaviours such as eating well, being physically active, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of heart problems and improve overall health.

In reality, cancer survivors often struggle to meet these health and wellness goals. The RESILIENCE study aims to explore whether a digital wellness platform with guidance from healthcare professionals could help people with endometrial cancer live a healthier life and lower the risk of heart problems.

Participants will visit the University of Alberta 3 times over 24 weeks and complete a number of assessments that will provide detailed information about their body composition (this information will be provided to participants after the 24-week intervention is complete). These assessments include a full-body MRI and DXA scan (including an optional exercise MRI focused on recording heart functionality and blood flow during exercise), a maximal exercise test on a stationary bike, an ultrasound of the carotid artery, an estimation of energy expenditure using a metabolic cart, and measurements of their weight, height, and waistline. They will also fill in surveys, complete a 3-day dietary record, and wear a Fitbit activity monitor.

Participants in the intervention group will be asked to use the digital wellness platform My Viva Plan daily during the intervention and to meet 3 times each with an exercise specialist, a mental health professional, and a dietician, who will help them identify their health goals and realistic and safe ways to achieve them.

Participants will receive a Fitbit activity monitor at no cost. Members of the intervention group will receive exercise equipment worth $90 while those in the control group are paid $60 for each of the 3 study visits they complete. All participants will receive 6 months of free access to the digital health platform My Viva Plan. We will also compensate travel fees up to $30/visit for participants who arrive to the study site by rideshare or taxi, and up to $37.50/visit for those who live between 50 and 150 km away from the study site.