Kellie Pickler appeared on “Good Morning America” this week with a shaved head to show support for her lifelong best friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The country star’s BFF Summer Holt Miller, 36, underwent a double mastectomy in June and is scheduled to begin chemotherapy this week. Both women wanted to try to spread awareness and the importance of early breast cancer detection.

According to the CDC, breast cancer is most common form of cancer among women in the United States and the second leading cause of death among women. 

Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Risk factors include:

• Personal history of breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast diseases
• Family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter)
• Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone combined)
• Having changes in the breast cancer-related genes BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest
• Being overweight (increases risk for breast cancer after menopause)
• Drinking alcohol (more than one drink a day)

Prevention is key:

•  Get screened for breast cancer regularly
• Control your weight and exercise
• Know your family history of breast cancer
• Find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

Miller's story may have been a very different one had she not been insisted on a mammogram due to her family history of breast cancer. The detection and removal of the cancer at such an early stage has increased her chances of long-term survival tremendously … something very important to her since she is a mother of two children.

If you have any questions or concerns always ask your doctor for advice. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.