The American Cancer Society has put out some new guidelines when it comes to breast exams.

The group says women at high risk for breast cancer should undergo annual MRI screenings in addition to their yearly mammograms. The group defines a high-risk patient as a woman who has a strong family history of the disease.

New Jersey resident and two-time breast cancer survivor Dana Kaplan says while her mammogram and ultrasound came back normal, her MRI detected cancer for a second time. Kaplan credits the MRI with saving her life and allowing her to give birth to her two children.

Doctor Nancy Elliot, director of the Montclair Breast Center, feels MRIs are going to dramatically change the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated. She adds that women should know an MRI is not meant to replace a mammogram.

Experts say an MRI can detect cancers as small as 3-5 millimeters, compared to the 8-10 millimeters it takes to pick up on a mammogram.

Related Information: American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345