In 2005, four women began Sunshine Dragons Abreast, a dragon boat team on the Sunshine Coast. The movement had begun in Vancouver 10 years earlier when Dr. Don Mackenzie created a team of breast cancer survivors to be part of a research project to investigate the effect of exercise. At that point survivors were warned not to do repetitive exercise. (No vacuuming!) Dr. MacKenzie was able to demonstrate that not only were there no negative effects, but there were many positive effects on the women who began paddling.
The Sunshine Dragons Abreast members have shown that they enjoy a powerful, fun, active lifestyle. Recently current and former SDA paddlers met together to reminisce about what fun they have had, especially at the many breast cancer dragon boat festivals. SDA has participated in every international festival since they began in Vancouver in 2005: Australia, Peterborough, Sarasota, Italy and New Zealand. The next one is in 2026 in France and some SDA members are going to paddle there, with another 5,000 survivors from all over the world.
The group of current paddlers and alumnae wish to continue to focus on breast cancer awareness on the Coast. They will tell you how vital it is to have regular screening. Many of their cancers were detected in routine mammograms. Be aware of factors that increase your risk of breast cancer, even in those younger than 40, such as dense breasts and family history.
On the Sunshine Coast:
• Patients aged 40 to 74 can get a screening mammogram in Sechelt without a physician referral. Two ways to book:
• Call BC Cancer Screening at 1-800-663-9203
• Book online at www.screeningbc.ca/breast
For all other ages, have your physician complete the medical imaging requisition form.
Dragon boating on the Sunshine Coast is available for everyone. There are two competitive teams and a recreational team within the Sunshine Coast Dragon Boat club, find information at scdragonboatclub.com. At this point, breast cancer members paddle on one of those teams and have organized an SDA composite team for next year’s festival in France, with paddlers from Vancouver, the Island and Alberta joining Sunshine Dragons Abreast.
