A group of breast cancer survivors met at a private hospital recently to celebrate Bijoya Dashami.

Some of the women present at the event were still undergoing treatment, while others had completed it. They shared their stories and experiences, helping each other gain mental strength.

“Women tend not to share their agony. I always tell my patients, even in the outpatient department, to talk to someone. Talking to someone helps us regain strength and it alsohelps us be empathetic to one another,” said Pooja Agarwal, breast oncosurgeon, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, where the event was held.

Agarwal said survivors can meet in small groups in parks or cafes, wherever convenient, and sharetheir stories.

“We have come across a lot of women who even after completing their treatment prefer not to talk about cancer to anyone outside their immediate family members. If they talk more openly about it there will be more awareness. A patient talking about cancer is more impactful,” said Agarwal.

To commemorate breast cancer month, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, celebrated the strength of women who have triumphed over breast cancer or are fighting it through a “breast cancer champions meet.”

The World Health Organisation has declared this year’s theme for breast cancer awareness month as “No one should face breast cancer alone.”

The theme was reinforced during the two-hour session at the hospital.

A 35-year-old woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer said that she had difficulty coming to terms with the loss of hair and other external changes.

“I was losing patience, more with my six-year-old son. Meeting so manyother survivors made me reevaluate my situation that this could be a temporary phase and I can overcome it,” she said.

The event was titled Bijoya — Celebrating the Brave and Beautiful — to appreciate a woman’s strength.

“A woman’s beauty is often defined by her outward features but true beauty lies in her mental resilience and courage to face hardships,” said Arunima Datta, a clinical psychologist, specialised in psycho-oncology, at the hospital.

“A woman plays various roles ... mother, daughter, wife... the list is endless. It becomes frustrating for some when because of the disease they fail to perform these roles. For some of them the frustration is manifested through aggression,” said Datta.

“Breast cancer happens to be the most common form of cancer across the world, with 2.3 million new cases every year,” said Ayanabh Debgupta, regional chief operating officer, Manipal Hospitals East, who was present at the event.

“Fortunately the survival rate is also very high. To successfully overcome the disease, we need to create more awareness and emphasise the importance of early detection,” said Debgupta.