Be Proactive with Cancer Screenings, Experts Advise

Nurse practitioner recommends regular checkups and earlier cancer screenings to catch symptoms early.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Melissa Rieben, a nurse practitioner at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, is encouraging people to be proactive about cancer screenings, especially those with a family history of the disease. Rieben recommends annual skin checks, starting cervical cancer screenings at age 21, getting mammograms at 40, and colorectal cancer screenings beginning at 45. She stresses that a few minutes of discomfort from these screenings is much less painful than dealing with advanced cancer treatments.

Why it matters

Early detection is key for many types of cancer, and screening guidelines have been updated in recent years to recommend starting certain screenings at younger ages. Rieben's advice aims to empower people to take charge of their health and catch any potential issues before they become more serious.

The details

Rieben says anyone with a family history of cancer should consider starting screening at younger ages to be proactive. She recommends annual skin checks with a dermatologist, cervical cancer screenings starting at 21, mammograms at 40, and colorectal cancer screenings beginning at 45. Rieben also notes that risk factors like obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity can increase cancer risk.

  • Cervical cancer screenings should start at age 21.
  • Mammograms are recommended starting at age 40.
  • Colorectal cancer screenings should begin at age 45.

The players

Melissa Rieben

A nurse practitioner at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore who is advising people to be proactive about cancer screenings.

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What they’re saying

“Cervical cancer screenings: Starting at 21, you should see a gynecologist. Some gynecologists will start doing the screenings at 21. Some will wait until 25. But absolutely establish that care with the gynecologist and go for those routine appointments.”

— Melissa Rieben, Nurse Practitioner (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“They've changed those guidelines. It used to be 50, but now they're recommending starting screening at age 45.”

— Melissa Rieben, Nurse Practitioner (WBAL-TV 11 News)

The takeaway

By being proactive and following updated screening guidelines, individuals can take an active role in their health and potentially catch cancer symptoms early, when treatment is most effective. Regular checkups and screenings, even for those without a family history, are an important preventative measure.