A compilation of inspirational cancer survivor stories from Indian women who tell us how they successfully put the ordeal behind them.

Through this piece, I wanted to capture how a cancer diagnosis can change your life upside down. Some stories, like the one I shared, end on a positive note, and the others may face a difficult path.

When I read that Shormistha Mukherjee was able to draw boundaries I could see the difference in our experiences. But for the first time, I was also validated. I wasn’t wrong to have those feelings of guilt, fear, shame, loss of self esteem.

Due to lack of information about breast cancer, misconceptions, shame and social stigma, women in villages risk their life by not getting screened and treated.

I had breast cancer as a 29 year old breastfeeding mom, and chose to have a radical mastectomy... my kids needed me. But I spent some time bonding with my breasts the night before. Here's my story.