The day started with an emotional service and minute of silence led by Horsham Mayor David Grimble.

Participants placed pink ladies on the lawn of the Horsham Civic Centre to create a mini field of women in honour of those suffering and those who had lost their lives to cancer.

A lunch and guest speaker Andrea Cross followed at the Horsham RSL.

Friends abreast member Lorraine Mason said the group was pleased with the turnout.

She said this year was particularly special as it marked 20 years since the support group started.

“Some original members joined in this year’s festivities,” she said.

Mrs Mason said she had been part of the group for 11 years and it had helped her with her breast cancer journey.

“We are there to support one another,” she said.

“It is a meeting of women in a similar situation.”

New member Janine English was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 months ago and said she found solace within the support group.

“It is good to talk to people going through the same thing,” she said.

“They are the only ones who really understand.

“They have been there to answer all of my questions.”

Mrs English said she had two more treatments to go and was optimistic about the future.

Cr Grimble spoke about the importance of getting screened and keeping the conversation about breast cancer going.

“It is important to talk about issues in our lives,” he said.

Horsham Friends Abreast meets on the first Friday of every month from 11.30am for lunch at the Volunteering Western Victoria meeting room in Firebrace Street, Horsham.