A CLEVELAND-BASED group has marked two decades of supporting men and women with breast cancer through their difficult journeys.
The Redlands Breast Cancer Support Group was started by Wendy King when she was undergoing treatment more than 20 years ago.
Ms King said she had needed a local support network made up of people going through similar experiences.
"I just wanted someone to (tell me I would) get through it," she said.
"I wanted someone to stand there and let me see that they had gotten through it."
During the past 20 years, Ms King has seen many group members come and go and has helped each of them through their cancer journey.
"It is always wonderful to see people get back to work and go back to their lives," she said.
The group also regularly invites health professionals and educators to speak.
Member Maryanne Blomberg said the group had been vital in supporting her through some of her toughest times.
Ms Blomberg was diagnosed with breast cancer at 46. She had an operation 10 days later and invasive carcinoma was confirmed.
"I came home and started Googling and was so pleased to find online support groups that I was able to share my story with others who had walked the road before me," she said.
"I have a new saying since my cancer diagnosis - you just don't get it 'til you get it.
"Over the following months I proceeded to have chemotherapy and radiation during this time the ladies and men...at the local support group were a very supportive group and reassured me along the way.
"It wasn't always smooth sailing...but having the online and local support group was invaluable and I believe it has made this past year a much more positive experience than it could have otherwise been."
Ms King said while everyone dealt with diagnosis and treatment differently, it was important to have a strong support network.
She said monthly self-exams were important for people of all ages and free breast screens were available for women aged 40 and older under the state government's BreastScreen Queensland program.
The Redlands Breast Cancer Support Group meets at 10am on the first Friday of every month at Redlands RSL and on the third Tuesday at Little Bloomfield Cafe and Wine Bar.
At the next Friday meeting on September 6, a speaker from Nutritional Health and Healing will conduct a sound therapy demonstration and a meditation session.
