Survivor dragon boating: a vehicle to reclaim and enhance life after treatment for breast cancer.
The authors investigated the psychosocial impact of dragon boat participation on women who have been treated for breast cancer. Open-ended qualitative interviews were completed by 10 new members recruited from two breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams. Our findings indicate that the women's experience of survivor dragon boating surpassed their expectations and offered them hope and increased strength and the ability to regain control of their lives. Key themes emerging from the in-depth interviews that encapsulate the experiences of women in their first season of dragon boating follow: awakening of the self, common bond, regaining control, being uplifted, and transcending the fear of death. The interview data support the emerging hypothesis that dragon boating is a vehicle for improving women's wellness and post-treatment quality of life.
Mitchell
Terry L
TL
Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. tmitchell@wlu.ca
Yakiwchuk
Christine V
CV
Griffin
Kara L
KL
Gray
Ross E
RE
Fitch
Margaret I
MI
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D009864:Ontario; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires