Breast Friends Pune and Women’s Cancer Initiative (WCI) will organise the first conference of breast cancer survivors in the country at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel on Pune–Ahmednagar Road on October 6 and 7. Over 150 breast cancer survivors from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and other parts of India are expected to attend the conference, which will touch upon various aspects of the disease.

During a press conference held in the city on Wednesday, oncologist Shona Nag said, "The first day will have educational sessions for survivors with recent updates on surgical, medical and radiation therapies for breast cancer treatment by noted oncologists from Mumbai, Pune and Nashik."

The highlight of the conference will be a panel discussion back into the workforce.

The second day will have several workshops by experts, which will address concerns like lifestyle, fitness and diet after treatment, lympho–edema (arm swelling post treatment) management and even the role of yoga and homeopathy in the recovery.

"Once breast cancer treatment is over, the patient’s lifestyle is often ignored and simple changes can reduce the risk of recurrence. It is important for women to be aware of this. Therefore, post–treatment issues are equally important and and interfere with the quality of living," said breast surgeon Anupama Mane.

with survivors, oncologists, gynecologists, human resource professionals and social workers. It aims to answer common concerns amongst women after treatment on a wide range of topics from breast reconstruction, financial support for treatment to integrating