Laura Coekelbergs
Doctoral fellow - Department of Human Structure and Repair, Radiation Oncology - Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UGent
Principal investigator: prof. Piet Ost (MD, PhD)
Research focus
My PhD research focuses on improving the health-related quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer, reflecting my personal interest in understanding and addressing the complex challenges cancer patients face. Inspired by clinical experiences and a commitment to evidence-based care, our team works to fill critical gaps by developing and evaluating interventions that integrate physical, psychosocial, and relational support to lessen the wide-ranging impacts of cancer and its treatments.
In this context, I am involved in several projects that explore different ways of supporting cancer patients, with two main ones highlighted below
A first key project involves the implementation and evaluation of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP), a six-month online home-based intervention combining strength and cardiovascular training, pelvic floor exercises, nutritional guidance, relaxation techniques, and relational support to improve quality of life and reduce the mental and physical impact of prostate cancer and its treatments.
A second project focuses on the co-development and pilot testing of structured group sessions on intimacy and sexuality for patients with prostate, breast, and hematological cancers. These sessions provide a safe space to address sensitive topics such as sexual health, body image, and intimacy, aiming to reduce psychological distress and enhance overall well-being.
Biography
- Master of Psychology - Main Subject Clinical Psychology
Contact & links
- Lab address: Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, entrance 98, 9000 Ghent
- Laura Coekelbergs is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks