Every year on Mother's Day, we celebrate the women who gave us life, who guide us, and who make countless sacrifices so that their children might succeed. Our mothers deserve to be thanked on this day and every day.

Mother's Day is also a day of reflection and remembrance for many people who, like me, no longer have their mothers with them to thank. This past week, as I've helped my sons, Nick and Beau, plan a special day for their mom, I have been reminded of my own mother's absence and why I cannot share this special day with her.

My mother, Marvella, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38. She fought through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. She had the highest-quality care available and a team of medical professionals devoted to her recovery. But it was not enough to defeat her disease. We lost my mother when she was only 46 years old.

At the time of her diagnosis in 1971, my mother knew little about breast cancer or how to treat it. She soon discovered this lack of information was the rule, not the exception.

Driven by the knowledge that early detection can be life-saving, my mother set about educating American women about the importance of regular screenings. She became a national spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society and educated thousands of women about breast cancer and her own fight against it. At a time when stigma and shame still surrounded a breast cancer diagnosis, she helped break a silence that many did not know existed.

Thirty years later, breast cancer is still the second most lethal form of cancer among women. That is because many still do not get regular breast exams.

Last year, an estimated 3,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in Indiana, and 820 Hoosier women lost their lives to the disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, regular mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it's easiest to treat.

When tumors are detected early, they are nearly 100 percent treatable. Annual mammograms are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and Indiana law mandates that health insurance plans cover breast cancer screenings.

No family should needlessly suffer the loss of a loved one to this disease when effective, accessible means of detection and treatment are available.

Today, I am celebrating Mother's Day — and honoring my mother's memory — by reaching out to my extended Hoosier family. I am asking you to talk to your mothers about getting tested for breast cancer.

A longer, healthier life with her family is one of the greatest gifts she could ever receive.

Evan Bayh is a United States senator and a former two-term governor of Indiana.