Breast cancer survivors Marie Bellis and Carol Williams of Horsham and Margaret Wilson of Warracknabeal celebrated survival together as part of Australian Breast Cancer Day on Monday.
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The three joined more than 40 survivors at Horsham Civic Centre on the day, where they set up a mini-field of 'pink ladies'.
The group also hung special messages around the ladies' necks and reflected on their experiences.
Mrs Bellis said she did not dwell on her breast cancer experience most days.
She said Monday also marked the 10th anniversary of her husband Adrian's death.
"I'm trying to celebrate but today's a bit sad,'' she said.
Mrs Bellis found her breast cancer herself six years ago.
She said it could be hard to reflect on the disease.
"It's very difficult to think of people, young ones, who die and they do,'' she said.
"Women as young as 32 die and we're still here there's no sense to it.''
Mrs Williams said the day was a good chance to celebrate survival.
She was diagnosed in 2003. "There's life at the end of it all,'' she said.
Mrs Williams encouraged people to keep on top of their health and to have any irregularities checked early.
When Mrs Wilson was diagnosed, in February 1983, breast cancer was rarely spoken about.
"I'll never forget that day,'' she said.
"Thank God for the surgeon.''
Mrs Wilson said Australian Breast Cancer Day was about celebrating life and remembering those who had died.
Horsham Mayor Mandi Stewart officially opened the mini-field at Monday's event.
The group then had lunch at Horsham's White Hart Hotel, where Grampians Cancer Integrated Services' Robyn McIntyre spoke.