A boatload of breast cancer optimism

Women affected by breast cancer give dragon boat racing a try

Women affected by breast cancer in East Yorkshire could be helped in their recovery by dragon boat racing.

A taster session at Welton Waters, near Hull, was led by Paddlers for Life from Lake Windermere.

Helmsman Pete Cogley said being involved with the sport had changed his late wife's life.

Dr Jennie Ormerod from Castle Hill Hospital said upper body exercise could reduce the incidence of lymphedema; a painful swelling which can occur after surgery.

"Because you remove some of the lymph nodes that means that the lymphatic system doesn't drain as effectively as it normally would". She added.

Armed with evidence that proved the benefits for people post breast cancer surgery she asked the charity Fitmums and Friends to help putting on the event.

Sam Barlow of Fitmums and Friends lead a warm-up at Welton Waters Adventure Centre on the banks of the Humber

Fitmums and friends said it would cost £8000 to buy a proper dragon boat if a local group was founded.

The charity's founder Sam Barlow said "we're just going to see whether this is a viable option and the ladies look like they're enjoying it."

Zoe Jobling was part of the taster day's winning team: "Getting out on the water, getting a bit of exercise, being with other people that have been through a similar thing, [was] really good" she said.

Ann Polak and her daughter said they had both enjoyed the taster day

Ann Polak also loved the experience "it's been amazing, although I've been very uncoordinated" she laughed.

Her daughter Grace, who'd come along to support her, said it was a "super good" experience despite her mum's early reservations.

"She wasn't really sure about coming somewhere where the thing they had in common was kind of a negative thing but actually it's been a really positive experience."

Mr Cogley from Paddlers for Life said the sport also helped with mental health "even [for] the likes of me and partners, it's a forum for us to speak to each other".

Exercise following breast cancer surgery used to be discouraged but in 1996, Dr. Don McKenzie, a Canadian sports medicine physician found upper body exercise helped with post operative side effects.

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