Have you ever heard the term “Pink paddling?” The practice has been around for centuries, but its many benefits were revived in 1996 by Dr. Donald McKenzie – a Canadian specialist in sports medicine. It is now a rehabilitation sport that has become increasingly popular with people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Being diagnosed with breast cancer drastically changes a patient’s life. It’s well known that cancer patients are less active. There are several barriers to regular exercise, such as fatigue and lack of motivation. There is also the fear of lymphedema (tissue swelling) and a lack of access to places where activities can be practised.

A healthy lifestyle can, however, have a positive impact on survival. Physical activity can reduce chronic fatigue, muscle weakness and loss of bone density, as well as the side effects of cancer treatments, in turn helping to improve physical and mental quality of life. 

This is why the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation (QBCF) has been supporting five dragon boat teams for several years:

• Seincr’eau – Montréal
• West Island Dragons Ouest de l’Île – Montréal
• Two Abreast/Side by Side – Montréal
• Les Phénix de la Rose des Vents – Sherbrooke
• Vise-à-vie – Québec City

In 2023–2024, there were a total of 124 women on these teams. More than half have been on their team for over five years. In addition to regular training as a team, paddlers take part in local, regional, provincial and international competitions.

Dragon boating is repetitive and energizing, making it a great way to start exercising again. And that’s all the more important when you consider the positive impact it can have on breast cancer sufferers.

First, physical activity can improve flexibility, shoulder mobility and upper limb strength. It can also have an impact on survival rates, quality of life and weight management. It may even reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.   

The women who joined these teams have all said that dragon boating has helped them improve their physical fitness and made them more interested in doing other physical activities. The vast majority enjoyed training as a team and felt more motivated to exercise.

Lastly, dragon boating is best known for improving the strength and mobility of the affected arm. Some 96% of the paddlers on the teams supported by the FCSQ feel that their arm is stronger and has more mobility.

Surgery and radiation can lead to the development of lymphedema in the upper limbs. These treatments can also result in reduced functionality and sensitivity. Between 5% and 50% of people who have undergone surgery or radiation suffer from this problem, which can affect patients’ quality of life and require lifelong physiotherapy.

In the past, health professionals advised women who had had lymph nodes removed from their armpits to avoid repetitive physical activity of the upper limbs. The same applied to people who had undergone axillary radiation following breast cancer.

However, the results of more recent studies indicate that dragon boating doesn’t increase the risk of developing or aggravating lymphedema. Instead, it improves cardiovascular performance (often associated with a longer life expectancy) as well as perceived quality of life in patients with lymphedema.

Among the members of the teams supported by the Foundation, 17 (14%) have developed lymphedema, and 16 of them have been suffering from it for more than three years. Most of them feel that this exercise helps them manage their symptoms better. In particular, they noticed increased mobility and less swelling in their arm and/or shoulder.

Dragon boating therefore appears to be a safe and recommended physical activity for women with breast cancer, even if they have lymphedema. 

Dragon boating not only improves breast cancer patients’ physical state, it also has many psychosocial benefits.

It can have a positive impact on body image, helping patients develop greater acceptance, appreciation and respect for their bodies. Studies have even shown that 14 weeks of dragon boating may lead to a more positive body image. Patients also reported a better quality of life and a greater sense of community.

The women paddlers on the teams supported by the Foundation have told us that dragon boating is a source of camaraderie, inspiration and personal motivation. They all appreciate the mutual encouragement they receive in facing obstacles in their care and recovery journey.  The vast majority say they feel heard and supported by their team members.

What’s more, dragon boating has enabled them to regain a sense of control over their health. They’ve also noted that they have more confidence in themselves and in their physical abilities after surviving breast cancer. Some women have said that dragon boating has been a source of personal motivation and has changed their outlook.   

Dragon boating during breast cancer rehabilitation has many benefits. It has a positive impact on patients’ physical fitness and lymphedema management. Doing it regularly can also improve quality of life and psychological health. It’s therefore a good complement to rehabilitation after breast cancer. 

To learn more about dragon boating and the teams funded by the Foundation, visit its Dragon boats  page.

References

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