Leading breast cancer researchers are meeting in Vancouver this weekend to discuss the latest discoveries.

One of the topics expected to be covered is how to not only survive the disease, but thrive.

Just days shy of her 40th birthday, Magdalena Bell received news no woman wants to hear -- she was told she had breast cancer.

"It really was a shock to me, because I had gone in for a routine physical," she said.

Bell began treatment for the disease -- and looked to her family and friends for support.

"It was interesting because my children were both my support system, as well as my reason for surviving and thriving, and that duel role was so helpful to me," she said.

Research backs up Bell's experience -- social support plays a vital role in coping with cancer.

"One woman in our research talks about mobilizing your troops," said Dr. Annette Stanton of the University of California.

Stanton says once your "troops" or support team is in place, one has to make her needs clear.

"One of the things that we do is encourage women to make a list of things that might be helpful," she said.

That could include having meals delivered, driving kids to a baseball practice, or simply going out shopping for a distraction.

Stanton also says it's important to take an active approach to fighting for your disease, and that means not trying to push away feelings about the experience.

"The more you try to push it away the more it sort of comes back at you," she said.

In fact, studies have shown women who use avoidance techniques are more likely to be depressed and stressed out in the long run.

"So finding some place for emotional expression, actively seeking information, actively accepting one's diagnosis, engaging in positive health behaviours," she said.

Support groups can also be helpful in dealing with breast cancer.

"Often support groups are more useful if they also teach specific skills for coping. if they're led by an expert in breast cancer, if they're really designed to promote an active approach," she said.

It was that active involvement that helped Bell battle her disease -- and defeat it.

"My family and I came up with a slogan which was 'survive and thrive,'" she said. "And that was something that really helped to guide me through this. It was my motto, it was my mantra, and that's what I did, and I survived and I thrived."