When Shaunna Burke received the devastating news of her terminal cancer diagnosis, she chose to confront her fears in the most extraordinary way—by scaling Mount Everest. This ambitious expedition was not just a personal challenge; it served as a profound statement about living fully in the face of mortality. “You start to learn how to manage any sort of fear you might have around mortality,” Burke shared. “And I think that’s what frees you to live. And that’s what freed me to live with my diagnosis as well.”
A Journey from Quebec to the Peaks of Everest
Originally hailing from Quebec, Burke now calls Addingham, England home. An exercise psychologist and researcher at the University of Leeds, her work focuses on the impact of physical activity on patients with Stage 4 cancer. In 2024, she became her own most significant case study when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, leading her to undergo a double mastectomy and multiple rounds of chemotherapy.
Burke reflected on the moment she was informed that her cancer was incurable. “I think the toughest part for me was being told that my cancer was incurable. And when my surgeon used the words palliative care, that was the hardest moment for me.” This stark reality prompted her to embrace a philosophy of living in the moment. “Don’t put off anymore what you want to do. Forget that; we don’t know if we’ve got that. So make it happen today,” she advised.
A Different Motivation for Climbing
Burke’s journey to Everest was not a new venture; she had previously reached the summit in 2005. However, her motivations for this ascent were markedly different. “Twenty-one years ago, I climbed the mountain for myself. It was a personal challenge. I wanted to find out, was I physically strong enough? Was I psychologically strong enough?” Now, her climb embodied a much larger purpose. “This time, I felt this time I wasn’t climbing just for me. That it was something much bigger than me.”
Alongside her climb, Burke initiated a fundraising campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support, the UK’s leading cancer care organisation. Her aim is to contribute to research on how low oxygen levels affect advanced cancer progression while inspiring fellow patients to pursue their goals, regardless of their circumstances.
The Rise of Exercise Oncology
The field of exercise oncology has gained traction in recent years, with more healthcare professionals recognising the benefits of physical activity for cancer patients. Research indicates that regular exercise can lead to higher rates of treatment completion, reduced side effects from chemotherapy, and improved mental well-being.
Burke noted a shift in the medical community’s understanding of exercise. “I think it used to be that oncologists and surgeons, their understanding of exercise may have been a little bit limited,” she explained. While rest and recovery are crucial, Burke emphasised the need for balance. Her years of mountaineering have equipped her with the skills to navigate this fine line effectively.
During her climb, Burke encountered harrowing conditions, spending an entire night in the “death zone,” where the air is so thin it becomes life-threatening. Yet, she persevered and finally reached the summit at 3 a.m. “I was just absolutely relieved, elated,” she remarked, capturing the essence of her remarkable achievement.
The Impact of Her Climb
Since her return from Everest, Burke has received an outpouring of support from people inspired by her journey. Fellow climbers approached her for photographs, acknowledging the significance of her accomplishment. Yet, for Burke, the experience transcends mere recognition. “My passion is mountaineering,” she stated simply. “I love the mountains and I’m just climbing a mountain.”
Why it Matters
Shaunna Burke’s incredible ascent of Mount Everest serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, particularly in the face of life-threatening illness. Her journey not only highlights the importance of exercise in cancer care but also inspires others to seize the moment and pursue their dreams without delay. In a world where uncertainty looms large, Burke’s story encourages us all to embrace life’s challenges and find purpose, no matter the circumstances.