When Shaunna Burke faced the harrowing reality of a terminal cancer diagnosis, she resolved to take on one of the most formidable challenges known to humankind: ascending Mount Everest. The 50-year-old exercise psychologist, who resides in Addingham, England, understands the inherent risks involved—having passed two deceased climbers on her ascent. Yet, for Burke, confronting such dangers has become a means to embrace life fully. “You start to learn how to manage any sort of fear you might have around mortality,” she remarked. “And I think that’s what frees you to live. That’s what freed me to live with my diagnosis as well.”
A Journey from Diagnosis to Determination
Originally hailing from Quebec, Burke’s journey took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Following a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy, she faced the grim reality that her condition was deemed incurable. “The toughest part for me was being told that my cancer was incurable. When my surgeon mentioned palliative care, that was the hardest moment for me,” she recounted.
Living from scan to scan, Burke found that her diagnosis prompted a profound shift in her perspective. “Don’t put off anymore what you want to do. Don’t say, ‘I’ll do it in the future.’ Forget that; we don’t know if we’ve got that,” she urged. “So make it happen today.”
Climbing for a Cause
Burke’s ambition to summit Everest is not a new venture; she first reached the pinnacle of the world in 2005. However, her motivations this time are profoundly 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?” she explained. “This time was entirely different. I felt this time I wasn’t climbing just for me. It was something much bigger than me.”
Alongside her climb, Burke is raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, a leading cancer care organisation in the UK. Her aim is to contribute to research exploring the effects of low oxygen levels on advanced cancer progression and to prove to fellow cancer patients that their aspirations remain within reach, regardless of their circumstances.
Exercise Oncology: A Growing Field
The field of exercise oncology, which examines the relationship between physical activity and cancer treatment, has gained momentum in recent years. Research indicates that incorporating exercise into treatment plans can yield numerous benefits, including improved treatment completion rates, reduced severity of symptoms, and enhanced overall quality of life. The College of Family Physicians of Canada has emphasised the importance of regular physical activity for cancer patients, advocating for a gradual approach to meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
Burke noted a shift in attitudes among oncologists regarding exercise. “I think it used to be that oncologists and surgeons had a limited understanding of exercise. The prevailing thought was that patients needed to rest and not overexert themselves,” she observed. While rest and recovery are indeed crucial, Burke believes in striking a balance that allows patients to engage in physical activity safely.
A Summit of Emotions
Burke’s recent climb presented her with a harrowing experience, as she spent a night in the “death zone,” where altitudes exceed 8,000 metres and oxygen levels become perilously low. Battling fierce winds, she was uncertain if she would reach the summit. However, fortune smiled upon her when the winds calmed, allowing her to stand atop Everest at 3 a.m. “I was just absolutely relieved, elated,” she expressed, highlighting the emotional weight of her achievement.
Burke has received an outpouring of support from admirers, many of whom were inspired by her incredible journey. “My passion is mountaineering,” she stated simply. “I love the mountains, and I’m just climbing a mountain.”
Why it Matters
Shaunna Burke’s ascent of Everest is about more than just conquering a physical challenge; it serves as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity. Her story underscores the importance of living fully in the present and challenges the perception of what those battling cancer can achieve. As Burke raises awareness and funds for cancer research, her journey may inspire countless others to embrace their own challenges, proving that with determination and courage, one can defy the odds.
