Delano D’Souza recently hosted Dr. Shauna Burke, an Associate Professor in Exercise and Health Psychology at the University of Leeds, to discuss how mountaineering intersects with cancer research and personal well-being.
Dr. Burke first conquered Mount Everest in 2005. Earlier this year, she returned to the world’s highest summit following a diagnosis of stage four breast cancer. She is now setting her sights on climbing the remaining 13 eight-thousanders.
For Dr. Burke, the mountains represent more than just a personal challenge against a terminal diagnosis. “When I’m in the mountains, I do feel at peace. I feel alive,” she said.
Refusing to let incurable cancer define the limits of her existence, she continues to investigate how exercise, resilience, and a commitment to living fully can coexist with a serious health condition.
I never realized mountaineering could be used as rigorous clinical research. Would love to read the data when this concludes.
Can someone explain how she actually climbs these peaks while undergoing cancer treatment? The logistics seem impossible.
What an incredibly powerful story. Her determination to keep living fully despite the diagnosis is truly inspiring.