Competitive dragonboat racing is extremely challenging. My endurance has vastly improved through dry-land training (weights) and race practice. Women who have undergone chemotherapy before menopause (10 years in my case) are especially at risk for osteoporosis, and weight-bearing exercise is helpful in preventing the loss of bone mass. Exertion is also very useful in relieving stress.

Being part of our team gives one a tremendous sense of solidarity and moral support. We truly are “all in one boat”!
I am not particularly hopeful that dragonboat racing will help prevent recurrence of breast cancer. However, it seems evident that strenuous upper-body exercise, when properly trained for, has no adverse effects regarding lymphodema, and can be successfully undertaken by women who have undergone a radical mastectomy.

It is a great feeling to know that we can participate in, and even excel, in such a demanding sport, Dragonboat racing gives a boost to the self-confidence and self-esteem of women living with breast cancer.

Diana Walton