Dr. Don Mckenzie
Don McKenzie came up with a sporting initiative that has changed many lives for the better
Words: Don Mckenzie
How did dragon boats and their paddlers enter your life?
In 1986 dragon boats were introduced to British Columbia at the World EXPO in Vancouver. They were very popular, and in 1996 when I was looking for an activity to challenge the myth that upper body exercise would result in lymphedema, it was the obvious choice. I had a lot of paddling experience and was very comfortable introducing dragon boat paddling to the original 24 women who volunteered for this project. From the start this was going to be a six-month experiment to demonstrate that women with breast cancer can live full and active lives (and not develop lymphedema), but when the racing was over that season the women wouldn’t go away.
In your early research you strove/worked to dispel the myth that women who have undergone breast cancer surgery should avoid repetitive upper body exercise as this was thought to increase the risk of developing lymphedema – the common side effect of breast cancer surgery. What did you find/discover?
Upper body exercise does not cause lymphedema. There are some qualifying statements, but we have been able to demonstrate that with suitable physical preparation it is possible and even desirable to engage in a fitness programme. Not everyone needs or wants to paddle a dragon boat but everyone should exercise. We have a research lab in our Centre in Vancouver and I am very proud that we continue to educate graduate students who wish to study the relationship between exercise, breast cancer and also lymphedema.
Exercise as part of breast cancer rehabilitation has been one of the focuses of your research. What advice would you give breast cancer survivors about exercise?
There are compelling reasons for everyone to exercise. With reference to breast cancer the data is very clear: exercise will help prevent breast cancer (primary prevention) and it will also significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and death in women with breast cancer (secondary prevention). The numbers are very impressive (45-65 percent risk reduction) and the return for a modest investment in weekly activity (3 hours) is huge. Controlling your weight through exercise and nutrition is a critical issue in terms of lymphedema and recurrence.
What are the benefits of exercise for women receiving breast cancer treatment?
In our facility the women receiving chemotherapy work out together three times/week in supervised exercise programmes. This represents a tremendous support group; it is phenomenal how they interact and help each other. In addition, they maintain their fitness, combat fatigue and may get fewer side effects. They are more likely to get their chemotherapy treatments on time, with fewer delays.
Paddling in a dragon boat has other benefits beside physical – what are the psychological and emotional benefits for women?
The mental health benefits seem to be greater than the more visible physical effects associated with regular exercise. The women have more control of the disease and develop better coping skills. You are never more connected with the environment than when you are on the water moving the boat with your own energy. It is an aesthetically-pleasing activity that requires teamwork and represents a tremendous support group that is not interested in cancer but exercise, health and a full, active life.
What is the scale of dragon boating for breast cancer survivors around the world today? What did you start?
I don’t really know how many teams exist, but it has been a very successful programme driven by the women with this disease. They have their own governance through the International Breast Cancer Paddling Commission (IBCPC), chaired by Jane Frost. When I think of how it has evolved from the original 24 women in Vancouver 15 years ago it is both an exciting and humbling experience.
You have been a long-term kayaker, tell us more about this?
I still enjoy kayaking on a regular basis and am fortunate to live in a place that allows paddling all year long. I paddle for fun and exercise. Many years ago I was on the Canadian canoe team and remain their team physician. As Chair of the Medical Commission for Canoeing, I am heavily involved in canoeing at the Olympics and am writing this from London where there is a test event for the 2012 Games.
What are your links with New Zealand? Have you kayaked any of New Zealand’s rivers?
I was a house surgeon at Whakatane Hospital, 1977-79, and spent a lot of time surfing at Ohope Beach. We return fairly regularly to visit friends and to surf at Ohope however, I haven’t done any paddling in New Zealand. Sports Medicine internationally is a fairly small group of professionals and there are several colleagues in New Zealand who I visit from time to time.
In 2010 pink magazine we included a photo of you in the Canadian “Abreast In A Boat” regatta amongst the paddlers carrying the Olympic flame leading up to the final hours before the opening of the Winter Olympics. What was that moment like?
That was a lot of fun as I knew the two torch-bearers in the canoes very well. It was a thrill to have paddling play such an important part of the torch relay. The night before the opening ceremonies I was invited to carry the torch on a leg near the university; that was also a special moment for me.
You have been present at breast cancer survivor dragon boat regattas (e.g. Abreast in Australia, Sunshine Coast, September 2007) and are surrounded by hundreds of women paddlers, most dressed in pink. How does this make you feel?
I am in it for the hugs! Seriously, I am very privileged to meet these women who have decided to challenge this disease. I enjoy their smiles, their passion for life, their support for each other and the fun that they have.
What is your most memorable moment (or one of them)?
My mother died of breast and ovarian cancer when I was 10-years old, she was a nurse. I think of her often, but especially during the flower ceremony at each regatta. I think that she would be very happy to see how these regattas have affected other women with cancer.
What have you learnt from women who have experienced breast cancer?
They have taught me a lot. I have learned that coaching women with breast cancer is a lot like trying to herd cats. As a sports physician they have taught me more about courage than any other group of athletes. My medical practice has changed, 15 percent of patients referred to me have cancer – I am a “sports oncologist”! They have taught me that teamwork is very important and there is no shortage of socialising and fun with this group. However, there is a sense of purpose that goes beyond the dragon boat – collectively they represent a powerful group with a strong voice who can influence public policy on health care and cancer specifically. They are changing the way the medical profession, and society in general, view breast cancer. It is a privilege to be a part of this.
