While families and friends offer comfort and medics bring the hope of a cure, those who find themselves battling the illness must also come to terms with a whole range of feelings, not least their own mortality.

Some of these feelings are utterly understandable, others may even seem irrational.

Support thankfully comes in many forms these days. It was not always so.

Calderdale has an enviable record in its treatment of breast cancer. Around 20 years ago Sister Jill Lawton was one of only seven specialists throughout the whole country.

Her expertise meant that local women had higher levels of care for a time at least, than many other areas of Britain.

She was also responsible for creating the Calderdale Breast Cancer Support Group.

This month the brave band of women, some newly diagnosed, others in remission or long term recovery celebrated the group's 21st anniversary.
The Support Group is simply a talking shop. The importance of this, however, should not be underestimated.

Over the years it has been a lifeline for many women.

For those unfortunate to have the illness, this is where emotions and feelings can freely flow. Where profound fears can be expressed in the knowledge that the advice that comes back is genuine and from someone who has already been through a similar experience.

The women involved are of various ages. All have lost friends yet remain incredibly upbeat.

They should all be given medals.