Facing breast cancer can feel like navigating stormy waters, but what if there was a way to find strength and camaraderie through a shared experience? That's exactly what women in East Yorkshire are discovering through the power of dragon boat racing.
Recently, a group of women affected by breast cancer participated in a taster session at Welton Waters, near Hull, led by Paddlers for Life from Lake Windermere. The aim? To explore the therapeutic benefits of this unique sport.
Helmsman Pete Cogley shared how dragon boat racing transformed his late wife's life. Dr. Jenny Omerod from Castle Hill Hospital explained that upper body exercise, like paddling, can be incredibly beneficial. She highlighted its potential to reduce the incidence of lymphedema, a painful swelling that can occur after surgery due to the removal of lymph nodes, which impacts the lymphatic system's ability to drain effectively.
Armed with scientific evidence supporting the benefits of exercise post-breast cancer surgery, Dr. Omerod partnered with the charity Fitmums and Friends to organize the event. But here's where it gets interesting: the charity estimates that establishing a local dragon boat group would require an investment of £8,000 to purchase a proper dragon boat.
Sam Barlow, the founder of Fitmums and Friends, expressed their cautious optimism: "We're just going to see whether this is a viable option and the ladies look like they're enjoying it."
Zoe Jobling, a participant in the taster day's winning team, raved about the experience: "Getting out on the water, getting a bit of exercise, being with other people that have been through a similar thing, [was] really good." Ann Polak also loved it, despite some initial reservations: "It's been amazing, although I've been very uncoordinated." Her daughter, Grace, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of the shared experience, especially given the initial hesitation about connecting over a challenging experience.
Mr. Cogley from Paddlers for Life emphasized the mental health benefits of the sport, stating it provides "a forum for us to speak to each other," even for partners.
And this is the part most people miss: exercise following breast cancer surgery was once discouraged. However, in 1996, Dr. Don McKenzie, a Canadian sports medicine physician, pioneered research demonstrating that upper body exercise could help with post-operative side effects.
Would you consider dragon boat racing as a form of therapy? Do you think the financial investment to start a local group is justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
