History of Breast Cancer Dragon Boating
In 1995, Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia, began researching rehabilitation following the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. 

People had been informed that avoidance of strenuous exercise was necessary, after breast cancer diagnosis/treatment, to prevent lymphoedema or swelling of the arm where the lymph nodes had been removed.

Dr. McKenzie believed that upper body exercise would play a role in recovery from breast cancer and lymphoedema because it can improve range of motion and reverse muscle atrophy, activate skeletal muscles and stimulate the immune system.

To put his theories to the test Dr. McKenzie formed the Vancouver based dragon boat team, Abreast in a Boat, in 1996.  The only criteria for joining was a history of breast cancer.

This sport was chosen for many reasons including:  it is a strenuous, repetitive upper body activity; it is non-weight bearing so it has a low injury rate; it improves strength and; training intensity can vary.

The first year findings were incredible. The paddlers showed improvement in both physical and mental health.  Several of the women reported improved range of motion of their shoulders and there were no cases of lymphoedema.

Today there are over 140 breast cancer dragon boat teams worldwide.

The information above has been compiled from several breast cancer dragon boat team sites.

Read articles about the medical history of Abreast in A Boat in the Canadian Medical Association Journal:

August 1998
October 1996
October 2002