Information about breast cancer

Pink Ribbonettes at an international dragon boat festival

In late August, our Belgian “ Pink Ribbonettes ” from Lier, Turnhout, and Brussels traveled to Aix-les-Bains, France, for the international IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival. For the first time, they competed together as a single team: “ Pink Ribbonettes United.” Some 4,500 current and former breast cancer patients from 25 countries gathered there to enjoy dragon boat racing, sports, and a sense of community. For our “ Pink Ribbonettes ” (Breast Cancer Survivors), too, it was a week full of special encounters, athletic challenges, emotions, and, above all, lots of fun.

Stronger Together

Dragon boat racing is so much more than just getting in a boat together and paddling. It helps you regain confidence in your body, brings people with similar experiences together, and fosters friendship, support, and—above all—a lot of fun.

For our “ Pink Ribbonettes ,” Aix-les-Bains was certainly a week to enjoy to the fullest. There were athletic challenges and competitions, but also plenty of opportunities to get together, share stories, and create new memories together.

Pink Ribbonettes United competed in the 200- and 500-meter races at Lac du Bourget. For several of the participants, it was also a challenge they took on together for the first time. Standing at the starting line together, cheering each other on, and crossing the finish line together—that’s what made this experience so special.

“Those were days filled with emotion, friendship, adrenaline, support, fun, tears, and above all, a deep sense of togetherness. A chance to step away from everyday worries, push our limits together, and enjoy the power of a team.”

The performances were a nice bonus, but ultimately, this week was about much more than times or rankings. It was about the power of being together, moving together, and supporting one another.

From Lier, Turnhout, and Brussels to the international stage in Aix-les-Bains.

‍All in the same boat, moving forward together.

Continue reading

Aftercare
Child Wish
Fertility

Interview Isabelle Demeestere: Impact of breast cancer on fertility

Fulfilling your desire for children after you've had breast cancer? Science has advanced to the point where it can be done today in many cases. "Belgium is a top country in terms of fertility treatments," states Isabelle Demeestere, top expert on cancer and fertility.
Woman Returning to Work After Breast Cancer
Aftercare
Work resumption
Work resumption
Reintegration

Returning to work is not the same as being fully recovered

Be an Empathetic Employer. When an employee returns to work after breast cancer treatment, a supportive approach from the employer increases the chances of a successful return, both physically and mentally.
Aftercare
Recovery
Testimonial

Breast cancer, the fight and road to recovery

Tineke Tuinman's story began in 2019. She felt a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with breast cancer. In this second part of her personal story, she testifies about how she experienced the months following her illness. After tough treatment with many side effects, beautiful moments returned to her life. She learned to cope with the physical and mental effects of the treatments and medication.

Find out how you can support Pink Ribbon .

Thanks to our partners

How can you help?