Health Minute: Why Monthly Self-Checks Are Critical Between Doctor Visits

Getting regular health screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and blood pressure checks can be lifesaving—but experts say what you do between doctor visits matters just as much.

According to Dr. John Hanachek with Cleveland Clinic, people should act as their own health advocates at home by paying close attention to changes in their bodies. He compares warning signs to a “check engine light,” saying the body often sends signals when something isn’t right.

Doctors recommend contacting a healthcare provider if you notice changes such as moles that are itching, bleeding, or changing shape; unexplained weight gain or loss; persistent aches or pains; or changes in bowel or bladder habits—especially increased frequency or blood with no clear cause.

Monthly self-checks should also include feeling for hard lumps, particularly in the breasts, neck, underarms, and other sensitive areas. Any new or unusual findings should be discussed with a doctor promptly.

While self-checks are important, Dr. Hanachek emphasizes they should not replace annual exams or recommended screenings. Instead, they serve as an added layer of protection to help catch potential problems early, when treatment is often most effective.