A dragon boat racing team from Saskatoon composed entirely of breast cancer survivors is preparing to compete at the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission (IBCPC) Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in France in September. The Busting with Energy team joins approximately 4,500 breast cancer survivors from more than 210 teams worldwide, according to CBC News.
A 2012 review published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health found that dragon boating can serve as a safe and effective form of resistance exercise for women recovering from breast cancer treatment. The review said the sport helps improve muscle strength and mobility while aiding in the management of lymphedema, a common post-surgery side effect.
Dragon boating gives survivors a chance to improve their physical health and connect with other survivors, CBC News reported in its coverage of the Busting with Energy team's preparations in August 2026. More than 50 breast cancer dragon boat teams are active across Canada, supported by provincial cancer foundations, including those in Quebec.
The first breast cancer dragon boat team was formed in Vancouver in 1996, challenging medical advice at the time that discouraged upper-body exercise after breast cancer surgery over fears it could worsen lymphedema. Since then, studies have examined the safety and benefits of resistance exercise for survivors.
A review in Preventing Chronic Disease, published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, found that participating women reported physical improvements, including increased arm strength and improved range of motion. Participants also reported better body image, increased confidence and stronger social connections, according to the review.
Karen McLeod, a breast cancer survivor from Saskatoon and member of the Busting with Energy team, said paddling has been important to her recovery, supporting both her physical and emotional wellbeing.
Canadian breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams take part in multiple events and festivals each year. The upcoming IBCPC festival in France is the latest of these, bringing survivors together to compete and socialize.
Provincial breast cancer organizations increasingly include dragon boating in rehabilitation and wellness programs. The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation works with several dragon boat teams. According to the Ruban Rose foundation's blog, participants report health improvements from regular paddling, including help managing lymphedema and improved psychological wellbeing.
Canadian teams, including those from Saskatoon and Quebec, are among those preparing to travel to the festival in France.
Organizers expect more than 4,500 participants at the 2026 festival.
For more information about breast cancer survivor dragon boating and the upcoming event, visit the International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission website and follow Canadian provincial breast cancer foundations' updates.
