The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends the following early-detection screenings for women at average risk for breast cancer:
Optional mammograms beginning at age 40
Annual mammograms for women ages 45 to 54
Mammograms every two years for women 55 and older, unless they choose to stick with yearly screenings
MRIs and mammograms for some women at high risk of breast cancer
The ACS also recommends that women know the benefits and potential harms associated with breast cancer screening, as well as how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to their doctor right away.