Throughout the month of October, one can see pink ribbons just about everywhere one looks.

During the month, one will see athletes and fans at various sporting events from youth through professional wearing pink while some may simply have the knowledge that this October is breast cancer awareness month.

It is important to have a keen understanding of one of the most prevalent cancers in the country and what type of impact it has.

Although advances have certainly been made relating to awareness and medical technology, the disease continues to have a huge impact each year. The American Cancer Society estimates there have been 232,340 new cases of breast cancer in 2013-2014. That is more than double the next cancer type in women.

The Tribune experienced this firsthand when it lost its longtime reporter and editor Teresa Moore in 2013

Also, in the same time span, nearly 40,000 deaths related to breast cancer will occur.

While breast cancer can occur in men and women alike, a woman is much more likely to have breast cancer than a man.

We applaud all of those who work tirelessly throughout the year, not only in October to raise awareness and provide information to the community.

Like any other disease, breast cancer will have an impact not only on the individual but their families, friends and community as well.

Ultimately, continuing to raise awareness will help people understand what the disease is and what it can do until the day a cure is found.