How archery helps breast cancer patients in Uruguay

By Raúl Daffunchio Picazo

The sport of archery and its role in improving the lives of mastectomy patients through the ‘Flechas de Vida’ programme is an example of how sport can make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Breast cancer rates are on the rise worldwide, but thanks to advances in science and prevention campaigns, the disease is now more treatable than ever, with survival rates of around 90% in many cases – a sharp contrast to the past, when it was often a death sentence.

Although breast cancer is curable if diagnosed early, like many other forms of the disease, it can leave physical and emotional scars.

These include lymphoedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling of the body’s tissues and often occurs in patients after surgery with a “feeling of pain and heaviness,” as described in the UK National Health Service’s symptom guide.

However, two archery instructors in Uruguay have taken it upon themselves to tackle this problem and improve the quality of life for those affected.

In May 2023, Alejandra Borsani and Andrea Castroman launched ‘Flechas de Vida’ – a free rehabilitation programme specifically designed for mastectomy patients through the practice of archery in the South American country.

Borsani and Castroman, both nurses, were inspired by a similar programme in Spain, which showed how the vibrations of a bowstring act as a form of lymphatic drainage, preventing lymphoedema and helping to regain mobility in the upper limbs.

The programme has been a resounding success, with the number of patients across Uruguay growing exponentially since its launch in Montevideo, the capital of the small country of 3.5 million people.

“So far, 123 patients have participated,” explained Borsani and Castroman. “We started in May 2023 with two patients, and today we have 42 active participants, with a waiting list of more than 100 women.”

Any woman who has had breast cancer can join the programme, provided it has been at least one year since her operation and she has written consent from her doctor.

The programme is free at all archery clubs throughout Uruguay, and the equipment is also provided free of charge for an initial period of six months.

In addition to the physical benefits, the project aims to improve patients’ mental health and social life, with goals such as “creating a positive attitude to life” and “feeling part of a group to avoid isolation”.

The programme, which takes place in twice-weekly workshops, has been running for just over a year and a half. During this time, data and statistics have been collected and are awaiting validation.

“The improvement is immediate, from the first class, and those who have practised archery at least once a week maintain the positive effects,” they told World Archery.

“What we love most about ‘Flechas de Vida’ is seeing the physical and emotional changes that occur in these women through the practice of this sport that we are so passionate about,” they added.

Currently, it only operates in Uruguay, but Borsani and Castroman’s next goal is to expand the programme throughout South and Central America. Their mission is to ensure that this invaluable service reaches all those affected by breast cancer.

“It is one of our next challenges,” they said of taking ‘Flechas de Vida’ to neighbouring countries. “Some Latin American countries have already contacted us and are interested in learning about this therapy. That’s why we need support to spread it in a professional context.”

It may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but Borsani and Castroman’s research, time and dedication have already changed the lives of more than 100 people, with another 100 waiting to be treated – a significant number given that the capital, Montevideo, has a population of just 1.4 million.

Participants who have completed the initial six months of rehabilitation but cannot afford to buy their own bows are automatically placed on the waiting list. Both Borsani and Castroman stress that continued archery practice is crucial in preventing the progression of lymphoedema, a condition that can worsen if left untreated.

With more funding and further research to support the initiative, many more lives could be changed for the better, overcoming the physical and emotional scars of this terrible disease while discovering a new passion and socializing with others who have experienced the same struggles – something highly recommended by specialists.