Someone’s sister, mother, aunt, friend or father could be at risk for developing breast cancer.

The disease affects many people one way or another.

Whether they’re suffering from it themselves or know someone who was diagnosed, breast cancer is a disease that must be stopped before it takes more lives. According to breastcancer.org, about one-in-eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime—that’s 12 percent of the U.S. female population.

It’s vital that we continue to pay attention and raise awareness to the diseases affecting the citizens of this country so that someday they can be eradicated.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual reminder of the disease. The month is meant to educate people about how they can prevent or fight the disease.

Early detection is key.

Whether or not someone has a family history of breast cancer, they should undergo routine screenings, including mammograms, to ensure they don’t have the disease or are susceptible to it.

If diagnosed early, patients will have more of a fighting chance to beat the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute.

It’s advised that women more than 40-years-old undergo annual mammograms.

While breast cancer occurs mainly in women, men are susceptible too.

Both genders have breast tissue so they are at risk for developing breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Early detection tests for breast cancer save thousands of lives each year.

By taking advantage of those tests, women and men can help improve their chances of becoming a survivor.