Knot A Breast: Our Mission
...is to spread the message that people can lead a full and active life after treatment for Breast Cancer through public awareness, the media, and paddling our best.
About
History
In the fall of 1995, a research project was being conducted by Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician and exercise physiologist at the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C.
Dr. McKenzie was studying to test the myth that repetitive upper-body exercise in women treated for breast cancer encourages lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a permanent, irreversible swelling of the arm and chest area that can develop any time after lymph node surgery and radiation treatment.
Dragon boating was chosen as the venue for several reason.
- It is strenuous
- It is repetitive
- It requires upper body exercise
In February 1996, in Vancouver, BC, the first team was formed calling themselves “Abreast In a Boat.” And so it all began!
Approximately 40 breast cancer teams have formed across Canada and teams continue to form in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.