This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about about breast cancer. While scientists continue to look for a cure, the best way of fighting breast cancer is with early detection, which allows treatment to be more effective. With early detection, breast cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates of all cancers.

Dr. Phil Evans, director of the Southwestern Center for Breast Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says the combination of self exams and regular mammograms is key to early detection. Women should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. Those who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should start screening mammograms early and should consult their doctors about when that’s necessary. Women whose mothers had breast cancer before the age of 40 should start mammograms at age 30. Free and low-cost mammograms are available to women with financial need through the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.