Breast Cancer and Dragon Boats

Chinese Dragon Boat racing actually began 2000 years ago. The boats, adorned with a colourful dragon head and tail, are 40 feet long and each boat carries 20 paddlers, a drummer and a sweep (steer person). Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia, launched Abreast in a Boat in 1996 to test the myth that repetitive upper body exercise in women treated for breast cancer encourages lymphodema. He believed that following a special exercise and training program would not increase the risk, but would actually improve quality of life. Dr. McKenzie's theory proved correct. Since 1996, thousands of breast cancer survivors around the world have formed dragon boat teams, and are paddling and racing regularly, promoting good health and fun.

There are 32 Dragons Abreast Australia Groups.