Diggin in, moving on : the experiences of breast cancer dragon boat paddlers

It is commonly believed that breast cancer dragon boating benefits survivors in a range of psychosocial areas, but there have been few empirical studies to investigate such relationships. An interpretive description design and a critical health promotion approach were used to explore the psychosocial experiences of women who breast cancer dragon boat. In-depth interviews with six participants were analyzed. Themes that arose from the data are: (1) moving past isolation — networks of like-minded support, (2) taking control,(3) journey into adventure, (4) affirmative outlook, (5) confronting painful experience, (6) rebuilding identity, (7) and spiritual engagement. The findings illustrate that dragon boating provides breast cancer survivors with a significant venue for change and the opportunity to move beyond traumatic elements of cancer.Arts, Faculty ofSocial Work, School ofGraduat