AUSTRALIAN athletics legend Raelene Boyle once said that the key to life is "not to surrender".Not only was it her trademark on the track, it also sums up her inspiring approach to her battle with breast cancer.Speaking at a Breast Cancer Network Australia forum at Charles Sturt University in Wagga yesterday, Raelene shared her experience battling breast cancer with 160 women from across NSW.Describing her life as an elite athlete as "vigorously controlled", Raelene said her cancer diagnosis came as a complete shock - throwing her life into an unfamiliar chaos."I had always been in such control of my body so it was a massive shock for me," she said.Following her diagnosis with breast cancer in 1997, Raelene became a strong advocate for cancer sufferers in her role with Breast Cancer Network Australia."I am so proud of what the organisation has achieved since it started in 1998," she said."This forum is just one example of how it works to support, empower and link survivors and sufferers together."The forum provided an invaluable chance for breast cancer survivors from across the Riverina and regional NSW to meet and connect in a relaxed and supportive environment.Founder and CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australia Lyn Swinburne said battling breast cancer was often an isolating experience - but it did not need to be that way."The forum provides these woman and their partners a chance to connect with other survivors or women going through a similar experience," she said."Breast cancer often leaves women feeling very alone, especially in rural areas and regional areas."The whole point of BCNA's work, and today's (yesterday's) forum, is to ensure women diagnosed with breast cancer are provided with the best information, support and services no matter where they live."