Today is the last day of breast cancer awareness month. But it’s important to remember that the disease — which primarily impacts women — continues 365 days a year.

According to the American Cancer Society, almost 18,000 women in New York State will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and almost 2,500 women will die from the disease.

Dr. Elizabeth Comen is an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She joined “News All Day” to speak more on the ways to reduce the risk, as well as new breakthroughs.

Comen says that early detection through a mammogram is so important to fighting the disease.

She adds that some ways to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer include maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, no smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and knowing your family history.

Those with a greater risk of getting breast cancer include patients with a known family history, genetic mutations like BRCA, and a history of radiation to the chest.

Dr. Comen recommends speaking with your doctor about questions or concerns you may have.

For more information, go to MSKCC.org.