Tumors, Turin stop for the Dragon Boat Festival cardio-oncology prevention

On Lake Avigliana, in the province of Turin, on Saturday 21 September, women who had undergone breast cancer surgery at the Cardiobreast Dragon Boat Festival 2024 challenged each other in a dragon boat race, underlining the importance of cardiovascular and oncological prevention. The initiative, now in its second stage, is organized by the National Institute of Cardiovascular Research (Inrc) in collaboration with the Italian Dragon Boat Federation and the unconditional contribution of Daiichi Sankyo Italia.

During the day, participants were able to take advantage of free cardiovascular screenings thanks to a camper equipped by the Inrc. The checks included electrocardiograms, blood pressure monitoring and lipid profile, accompanied by the distribution of informational material on cardiovascular and oncological prevention. This aspect is particularly significant, given the 42% increase in cardiovascular risk in cancer patients. The next stops are in Florence, on October 19, and, on the 26th, in Palermo.

In addition to the competition, the public had the opportunity to try paddling on dragon boats, in an experience that highlighted the value of cohesion and mutual support. Davide Zappalà, vice president of the Piedmont Region Health Commission, focused on the fighting spirit of the participants, highlighting the importance of the “fight, which is the most important fight, the fight for life. The choice of a discipline like Dragon Boat, which forces 10 people to stay together, is particularly appropriate”. In fact, “Dragon Boat – added Fulvia Pedani, oncologist at the Città della Salute e della Scienza in Turin – is a singular sport, unique in its rehabilitation capacity, especially for women who have undergone breast surgery, because it helps prevent lymphedema and rebalances posture”. Furthermore, “these women – underlined Giovanna Caputo, of Lilt – teach us how important “strength” and determination are in the healing process, “to react in a situation that appears to be very complicated”. Ferdinando Varbella, director of Cardiology at Rivoli, also recalled that “lifestyles, nutrition, are the basis of cardiovascular prevention, which then translates into a lowering of bad cholesterol, a reduction in the heart rate. Therefore, a heart that beats more slowly but performs much better”.