Dragon Boating and Cancer Survivorship
Dragon boat paddling for cancer survivors was first initiated in 1996 by Dr. Donald McKenzie, a sports medicine physician and exercise physiologist at the University of British Columbia. At that time, survivors of breast cancer were advised to limit their upper body activity to avoid the potential problems of lymphedema (the build-up of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system has been damaged or blocked). Dr. McKenzie was not convinced that repetitive upper body exercise would cause lymphedema. With no published research to support restricted activity, he decided to test the hypothesis. He believed that the physical exercise of an active, upper-body sport might actually help prevent lymphedema.
He recruited 25 women with breast cancer to take part in a controlled study. The study included slow and progressive weight and aerobic training and dragon boat paddling. Why dragon boat paddling? It is repetitive and vigorous. It provides aerobic benefits and builds strength.
The results of the study were significant. There were no new cases of lymphedema and none of the existing cases worsened. The women in the study reported better physical and mental health through this team-building exercise and a shared camaraderie with each other. That first team – Abreast In A Boat – became the first breast cancer survivor team to participate in dragon boat racing. The exciting results of Dr. McKenzie’s study launched the formation of cancer survivor teams throughout the world who participate in races locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
The growth of breast cancer clubs led to the development of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) whose mission is to encourage the establishment of breast cancer dragon boat teams, within the framework of participation and inclusiveness. According to the IBCPC there are currently over 360 BCP teams across the world, representing 39 countries. There are almost 90 cancer survivor clubs in the United States. About 30% of the U.S. cancer survivor teams are all-cancer paddler (ACP) clubs welcoming people with all types of cancers.
ACP clubs in the US first began developing in 2000 to meet the needs of cancer survivors who saw the incredible benefits, from participating in dragon boat, to the Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP) community, and wanted to provide an inclusive opportunity to all cancer survivors to reap the same wellness rewards.
ACP is an inclusive division welcoming all adult ages, all genders, for those who have been diagnosed with any cancer and who may or may not have significant disability related to their cancers. The United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) is committed to supporting ACP and BCP divisions at all levels - local, national, and international. In 2021, the USDBF created a special committee for the specific purpose of promoting and supporting the ACP and BCP divisions.