Breast Cancer Survivors Celebrate Resilience at Empowering Festival

On November 8, 2025, over 150 breast cancer survivors in Chennai, India, came together at 'Engal Utsav' to celebrate their resilience and the journeys they have shared. The event, organized by the Chennai Breast Centre, highlights the crucial role of a dedicated support group in helping survivors regain their confidence and navigate the uncertainties that often accompany their journey.

For many survivors, the emotional support offered by the group is just as essential as the medical treatment itself. Gomathi Sivakumar, 66, found solace in the reassurance she received from the staff, who made her feel "like it was nothing to worry about" and were always there to support her, even after her surgery.

The importance of these social connections is echoed by other survivors, who emphasize the value of meeting others who have walked the same path. A 35-year-old mother of two, M. Bhuvaneshwari, shared that the support group's WhatsApp community with 300 members has been a place where women can ask questions, share experiences, and offer support to one another.

Seetha Ramachandran, a cancer survivor in her late 70s and a member of the support group, noted that patients feel more reassured when someone like her, who has undergone breast cancer surgery and lived for decades since, tells them they will be fine.