SHANGHAI - December 12 is a special date that 59-year-old Wu Huizhen and the people who shared her hospital ward will never forget.

Accompanied by the song Happy Birthday to You, nine cancer patients celebrated their fifth anniversary after being diagnosed with prostate cancer at the Changqiao Community Clinic of Shanghai's Xujiahui district on Dec 12, 2010. Surviving five years is seen as a sign the disease has been cured.

Every one of them received the same birthday present: A birthday cake and an umbrella, which in Chinese signify happiness and protection respectively.