Bhubaneswar, Oct. 13: Forty-year-old Taslima Begum was devastated when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. Today, she is a cancer survivor.

More than 100 cancer survivors shared their experiences at a get-together on the occasion of World Breast Cancer Awareness Day today.

Taslima, a homemaker, recalled that she went to see the doctor after she experienced a pain in her armpit. Initially, her family members hid the illness from her, but eventually, she got to know the truth. At first, she was devastated, but the plucky woman decided to fight back and give life a chance. Today, she is hale and hearty after undergoing proper treatment and advises other women to be strong and take up the challenge of breast cancer.

Mrinalini, 36, a corporate executive, could not believe her eyes when she first saw her medical reports. “There was a lump on my chest and I used to feel a pain all the time. I ignored it for a few months but went to the doctor when it became unbearable. I was not ready to believe that a healthy person like me could be sick with cancer. I was very depressed,” said the mother of two.

“One day I came across an interview of actress Lisa Ray and it changed my life. I took the entire experience positively and started valuing each moment of life. I followed the treatment routine religiously. After a chemotherapy and an operation, I am a cancer survivor today,” she said.

More than 100 women were seen bound by a common feeling of optimism at the event here. “I feel stronger and happier to see so many women in our state fighting and winning over cancer,” said Taslima.

City-based oncologist Ghanshyam Biswas said there was a need to set up 700 cancer centres across the country. Biswas had organised today’s programme. “October is observed the world over as the month for awareness of breast cancer. October 13 is especially dedicated to breast cancer survivors,” said Biswas, adding that Odisha, which has just five cancer centres, needs at least 20 more.

Biswas said breast cancer and other forms of cancer were curable if detected in the initial stages. To know if one has breast cancer, women above 20 should conduct self-examination of their chest, armpits and neck. They should check for lumps or change in breast size, nature or discharge. Mammography is a must for women above 40.

Treatment may be varied in different cases. A patient could be prescribed treatment ranging from radiation, surgery, chemotherapy to biological or even genetic treatment.

“The patient is cured if the symptoms do not return within five years,” the doctor said.