COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to get women and men screened and learn more about how to prevent the disease. According to Dr. Natalie Jones with OhioHealth, 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Mammograms can start for patients, showing no risk factors for breast cancer, at 35 years old and yearly at age 40. But for women who are at higher risk, the screening process will start earlier. "Particularly if there's family members that were diagnosed at young ages with breast cancer," Jones said. "We would start 10 years prior to the youngest affected family member." When it comes to the number of people who are diagnosed, cases are on the rise especially in younger patients in their 30's or 40's, according to Jones. Along with getting a mammogram, there's also a genetic testing option called BRCA Genetic Testing for those who are at higher risk. "The one that people are most familiar with now are BRCA 1 and 2 mutation," Jones said. "But there's probably 25 or more genes we can screen for now that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer." Hilliard schools predict drastic cuts if levy fails For prevention, patients can do monthly self breast exams, while staying on top of yearly screening mammograms and a yearly clinical breast exam. Patients can look for any changes in your breasts as well. "Just finding these changes early can really be life saving," Jones said. "Those things can be significant and then it can be worked up to determine if they are related to malignancy." If you notice any changes, Jones encourages patients to start by calling their doctor for an exam and to receive the appropriate testing.