Ten years ago a Canadian Sports physician, Dr Don McKenzie formed the first Breast Cancer Dragon Boating team. For years, women had been told to restrict their upper body activities after breast cancer treatment for fear lymphedema would develop. As a means of testing this long held medical belief, Dr Don McKenzie began a clinical study using dragon boating for his case study as dragon boating requires strenuous repetitive upper body motion.

Dragon boating originated in China more than 1500 years ago, though has only grown in sporting popularity since being introduced to North America in the mid 1980’s. The boats are 15 meters long, manned by 20 paddlers, a

caller and a sweep, with races covering sprint distances of 300 to 650 meters. Dr Don McKenzies study visibly demonstrated that women who participated in strenuous upper body exercise did not develop or increase symptoms of lymphedema. Rather, the women experienced heightened physiological and psychological health benefits. Many women have stated that the dragon boating experience has aided their healing through many facets, including; increased fitness and wellbeing; a sense of empowerment and achievement; the ability to form new friendships and share experiences; regaining control of their lives; overcoming the loneliness of cancer and enabling them to move on with their lives.

Since Dr Don McKenzie formed that first Breast Cancer Dragon Boating team back in 1995, over one hundred teams have been established internationally which compete on the world stage. Within New Zealand there are five Breast Cancer Dragon Boating teams who compete in regattas throughout New Zealand and the world. These inspirational women are sending a very visual and powerful message to everyone, "There is life after breast cancer, and it is adventurous, challenging and fun! And we are living life!"