A team of breast cancer survivors from Saskatoon is embarking on an international journey through dragon boat racing. The group, known as Busting with Energy, is set to compete in France against teams from various countries.
Kerry Neal, a member of the team, shared her experience of finding solace and vitality while paddling with others who have faced similar challenges. After learning about the team during her chemotherapy sessions, Neal eagerly joined as soon as she felt well enough. She emphasized the uplifting team spirit created by nearly 40 individuals who have encountered comparable struggles.
The team humorously refers to themselves as “the team no one wants to join,” as membership is exclusively open to those who have battled breast cancer. Many members, including Neal, have found relief from lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer surgeries, by engaging in dragon boat racing. This sport is particularly beneficial for rehabilitating muscles and lymph nodes impacted by such surgeries.
The concept of breast cancer dragon boating gained prominence after a medical group in Vancouver established the first breast cancer dragon boat team in 1996, disproving the misconception that certain sports should be limited post-breast surgery. Anne Eagle, the team’s president, emphasized the team’s role in demonstrating that life continues after breast cancer treatments and surgeries, promoting strength, resilience, and enduring connections among members.
Eagle, who has been part of the team for six years following her own diagnosis twelve years ago, highlighted the importance of mutual support and inspiration within the group. The team’s training regimen, which includes dryland sessions and on-water practices, accommodates women of diverse fitness levels and ages, with participants ranging from seniors to those over 80 years old.
Busting with Energy is among the 320 teams participating in the 2026 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in France, where over 4,500 breast cancer survivors worldwide will convene for a non-competitive event. 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 globally.