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The City of Troy hosted at gathering in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Tuesday morning at the Troy Tourism Office.

Sheila Jackson,  director of Tourism said the gathering was primarily women who are  breast cancer survivors and/or  those have lost loved ones to  breast cancer.

An estimated 310,720 cancer diagnosis will be made in the United States during 2024 and an estimated 42,250 deaths.

Several cancer survivors spoke about their experiences from handling the diagnosis to undergoing the treatments,

Most women who shared their experiences said their initial reaction was from “tears to fears.”

When they heard the words “breast cancer,” that was like a death sentence,” one survivor said. “But, then my thought went quickly to my children, my husband, my family. Cancer is a family disease and was determined to beat it.”

But, with the knowledge of the different way of treating breast cancer, those who spoke said they realized that, to beat cancer, “you have to fight it with all you’ve got.”

Several of the women said they had opted for breast removal. For some it was surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or some other form of treatment.

However, the good news about breast cancer was “a two year survivor,” “a five-year survivor and a  10 year survivor.’

“And, I am a 30-year breast cancer survivor.”

Jackson thank all of those who spoke and those in attendance and reminded them that a mammogram takes only a short time but it can be a lifesaving time.