Kyle Richards still feels "tortured" by her mother's death

She explained: "I lost my mom to breast cancer 18 years ago. So, it’s really important to me to use my platform and my voice and get out there and remind women to get their mammograms and do a self-exam every single month, because you really can save your life.

"When I think about the fact that my mom did not have a mammogram for five years because she was afraid, it tortures me, you know? So, I don’t want other women to suffer like that or their loved ones to suffer, too."

The 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star used to feel anxious about preventive testing. But Kyle - who has Farrah, 31, Alexia, 24, Sophia, 20 and Portia, 12 - admitted her attitude has evolved over the years.

She told Us Weekly: "I have four daughters and, you know, I should be talking about that … I’m talking about that, because we’re seeing breast cancer in younger and younger women these days."

Kyle encouraged other women to take preventive measures against breast cancer.

The Hollywood-born star - who has appeared in several films and TV shows during her career, including 'Little House on the Prairie' - said: "I think that, you know, you’ve got to find someplace that you’re comfortable with, because I used to be so afraid to go because I’d go into the hospital. It was scary and intimidating to me.

"So, find someplace that you’re really comfortable with and you feel safe, and then it won’t be as intimidating to go."