A team of breast cancer survivors from Saskatoon is embarking on an international journey in a dragon boat race. Busting with Energy, the racing team, is set to compete in France against teams from various countries. Kerry Neal, a team member, expressed the uplifting experience of being on the water with fellow survivors, describing the profound sense of camaraderie. Neal discovered the team while undergoing chemotherapy and eagerly joined once she felt better. The team’s unity, comprising nearly 40 members who have faced similar challenges, serves as a source of motivation for all.
The team humorously refers to themselves as “the team no one wants to join,” as membership is exclusively for individuals who have battled breast cancer. Many join the team, such as Neal, to combat lymphedema—a common side effect of breast cancer treatment that causes swelling in limbs. Dragon boating is recognized for its positive impact on rehabilitating muscles and lymph nodes affected by breast cancer surgeries.
The inception of breast cancer dragon boat teams can be traced back to a medical group in Vancouver in 1996, which dispelled the misconception that certain sports, like canoeing, should be avoided post-breast surgery. This initiative paved the way for the global growth of breast cancer dragon boating. Anne Eagle, the team’s president, emphasized that the team signifies life beyond cancer treatment, showcasing resilience and the ability to lead a fulfilling life post-diagnosis.
Eagle, who was diagnosed 12 years ago and has been part of the team for six years, highlighted the team’s dual purpose: physical strength-building and fostering enduring connections among survivors. The team’s ethos revolves around supporting and inspiring one another, offering hope and encouragement to those navigating their cancer journey. The team’s training regimen includes 12 weeks of dryland training followed by on-water practices, catering to women of diverse ages and fitness levels, including those in their 80s.
Busting with Energy is gearing up to participate in the 2026 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in France, where over 4,500 breast cancer survivors from across the globe will unite in a non-competitive setting. The festival serves as a testament to the growing popularity of breast cancer dragon boat racing, with over 50 teams in Canada and more than 210 worldwide actively participating in this empowering sport.
