Words: Laura Dare. Courtesy Coast Lines Magazine

As October ushers in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, communities across the Fleurieu Peninsula are uniting to shine a spotlight on a disease that touches countless lives. For Dee Elferink, a local breast cancer survivor, this month holds special significance. Her journey from diagnosis to the hope of recovery exemplifies both the challenges faced by those battling breast cancer and the power of community support in overcoming adversity.

Dee's cancer journey began in early 2022 when she discovered a lump on her right breast. "After ignoring it for a few weeks, I finally went for a mammogram and was diagnosed with breast cancer," she says. This scenario is all too common, with one in seven Australian women facing a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting Australian women, with an average of 58 people receiving this life-altering diagnosis every day. While survival rates have improved dramatically over the years – from 75 per cent in the late 1980s to 94 per cent in recent years – there's still work to be done to reach zero deaths from breast cancer.

Dee's initial treatment involved surgery and radiation, but her battle wasn't over. "In early 2023, they found two very large, aggressive tumours in my left breast," she says. "This time it was surgery, chemotherapy for seven or eight months, and then radiation treatment." The gruelling process took its toll, but Dee found an unexpected lifeline in the Victor Dragons dragon boat club.

"I immediately fell in love," Dee recalls of her first encounter with the Victor Dragons. "I'm not actually quite sure whether I fell in love with dragon boating as much as I fell in love with everybody in the boat." This tight-knit group became Dee's lifeline during her battle with cancer, offering unwavering support that went far beyond the water's edge.

The Victor Dragons, open to all regardless of age, gender or health status, embody the spirit of the Fleurieu community. Their inclusivity and camaraderie highlight how local groups can play a pivotal role in supporting those facing health crises like breast cancer. As Dee puts it, "They embrace you. I love them absolutely. Love them to death."

Dragon boating, a sport with roots in ancient China, has become increasingly popular among women with breast cancer worldwide. Research has shown dragon boating is the perfect way to increase physical well-being among women battling cancer or on their way to recovery. Unlike many other sports, dragon boating is non-weight bearing and the paddling requires repetitive upper body motion, so women can regain strength in areas affected by cancer.

For Dee, the Victor Dragons offered more than just physical benefits. The club became a source of unwavering support during her second bout with cancer. "They were so, so supportive," Dee says. "Everybody just checking in – they all knew that I had chemotherapy every Thursday. I would just get messages on Wednesday night, Thursday, Thursday nights and then Friday."

"One of the ladies makes quilts, and she made me a special quilt for me to take every time I had chemo," Dee says. "It was her way of letting me know she was thinking of me." These acts of kindness and support were instrumental in keeping up Dee’s spirits during the toughest times. The good news is Dee’s latest scans came back cancer-free, but it’s still too soon to declare her out of the woods yet. In the meantime, she’s got the Victor Dragons to help her through.

The impact of breast cancer extends far beyond the individual, affecting families and entire communities. Dee's experience highlights the importance of a strong support system. "I basically would be vomiting at seven or eight in the morning and having a pop pill to stop the vomiting, to go to work and be there by nine," she recalls of her chemotherapy days. Juggling work and two teenage daughters with cancer treatment was “really tough,” she says.

Dee's story also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being proactive about breast health. "Women do need to listen to their bodies," she says. "They do need to pick up on those signals, and they need to go and have mammograms." Regular mammograms remain the most effective tool for catching breast cancer in its early stages when treatment is most successful. Mammograms are free for all Australian women aged 40 and over.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues throughout October, there are numerous ways for the Fleurieu community to get involved and make a difference. Hosting a Pink Ribbon breakfast, morning tea, lunch or BBQ can raise vital funds for breast cancer research. For those seeking a more active approach, participating in, or organising, a fitness challenge can also raise awareness and funding.

For more information about how you can host a pink ribbon breakfast or participate in an activity as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation website at nbcf.org.au