Women's Health: What Every Woman Should Know About Gynaecological Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in the world, yet it remains the fourth most common cancer in women globally due to gaps in screening and vaccination uptake. In the UAE, awareness has improved significantly over the past decade, but many women — particularly expatriates navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system — are uncertain about what screening they need and how often.

A cervical smear (Pap test) remains the cornerstone of cervical cancer prevention. Current DHA guidelines recommend a Pap test every three years for women aged 21–65 who have been sexually active. For women over 30, co-testing with an HPV DNA test allows the screening interval to extend to five years if both results are normal. Women who have received the HPV vaccine still require regular smears — the vaccine does not cover all high-risk HPV strains.

Breast examination and mammography are equally important. Clinical breast examination annually from age 30, and mammography from age 40 (or earlier if there is a first-degree family history of breast cancer), are the standard recommendations. Breast density can affect mammography sensitivity — women with dense breast tissue may benefit from supplementary ultrasound screening.

Gynaecological health extends beyond cancer screening. Conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, and perimenopause are underdiagnosed and undertreated. If you experience heavy or irregular periods, pelvic pain, or significant symptoms of hormonal change, do not normalise them — book an assessment with our gynaecology team. Effective management is available for all of these conditions and significantly improves quality of life.