Breast Cancer Survivors and Dragon Boating

As part of the medical management of breast cancer, many women have lymph nodes surgically removed from their involved underarm (axilla).  The surgery can be any one of the following procedures: sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or axillary sampling. The goal of these procedures is to find out if the cancer has spread to the lymphatic system.  Following axillary lymph node surgery. many women undergo radiation therapy to the breast, chest wall and/or underarm.

These surgical and treatment procedures can increase a woman's risk of developing  lymphoedema -a swelling of the involved arm, breast or chest wall because of a collection of lymphatic fluid.  Lymphoedema can develop at any time following breast cancer surgery - from within one month after treatment to 30 years later.

Well-meaning physicians and physiotherapists often caution these women to refrain from lifting more than 10-15 pounds with the involved upper extremity; to avoid certain sports, such as canoeing, water-skiing and specific swimming strokes, such as breast stroke or butterfly; and to refrain from repetitive activities, such a knitting or raking. These limit both the quality and enjoyment of life for women who otherwise feel and look quite healthy - and there is, as yet, no research to suggest whether or not these activities actually lead to lymphoedema.

In 1995, Dr Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia, started researching the issue of rehabilitation following diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Dr McKenzie believed that upper body exercise has a role in recovery from breast cancer and lymphoedema because it can improve range of motion and reverse muscle atrophy, activate skeletal muscle (which may help pump lymph), and stimulate the immune system.

Dragon boat racing is a very strenuous, repetitive physical activity that stresses the muscles of the trunk and upper extremities. To prepare for this activity, teams undergo a detailed training programme including stretching, progressive upper extremity strength training and aerobic exercises - carried out in advance of training in the dragon boats themselves. In addition, some women wear special compression sleeves on their involved arms to minimise the threat of lymphoedema.

To date, we have funded $15,000 and we have increased funding for 2009. This support will help teams attend regattas in New Zealand and abroad, as well as providing funding for the maintenance of their boats.