The support of her family helped Meenakshi Joshi successfully overcome breast cancer. Now, eight rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, more radiation and medication later, the 52-year-old teacher is now cancer-free and back to work.

She was one of 14 other breast cancer survivors who were invited as special guests at the awareness program held at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Saturday to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign held every October to raise awareness of the disease and generate funds for research into its causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and potential cures.

The program was organized by the surgical oncology department of KGMU in which about 150 women participated. At the event, Head of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Vijay Kumar made everyone aware of the symptoms of the complex disease.

Meenakshi Joshi, an English teacher at Army Public School and a resident of Vikas Nagar, said her biggest support system was her students and her son. “I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in January this year and finished my post-op radiation in August. I am on a 6-month course of oral medication, which will complete the process,” said Joshi.

She said she accidentally discovered a lump under her arm during a salon visit. Later, she visited a gynecologist who suggested she get a mammogram. “My family, especially my son, gave me the strength to get through the long treatment,” she said.

“Doctors did not rule out the possibility of a double mastectomy if the lump continued to spread after four chemotherapy sessions, but finally, after eight sessions, they ended up operating on my left breast,” Joshi said.

Several breast cancer survivors treated at KGMU shared their respective stories, urging all young women to heed self-exam tips as well as breast cancer symptoms.

The doctors informed the participants about the free treatment services available at the hospital for underprivileged patients as well as the facilitation of a screening center there.