Essential Health Screenings for Women: A Guide by Dr. Sana Azeem

By Dr. Sana Azeem | Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Eclipse Specialty Clinic | June 10, 2025, | 6 min read

In today’s fast-paced world, women juggle multiple roles—whether it’s career, motherhood, or caregiving. Amid these responsibilities, their own health often takes a backseat. At Eclipse Specialty Clinic, we believe that prevention is the key to long-term wellness. That’s why health screening in Dubai is more than just a routine checkup—it’s a proactive approach to protect and preserve your well-being. Guided by Dr. Sana Azeem, a seasoned gynecologist with over 17 years of experience, this blog provides a complete roadmap to the essential health screenings for women. From reproductive health to chronic disease prevention, these screenings empower women to make informed decisions at every life stage.

Why Health Screenings Matter for Women

Many serious health conditions—like breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis—develop silently, showing symptoms only when they’re advanced. Regular essential health screenings for women allow early detection, timely treatment, and better outcomes.

Women’s health needs also evolve with age. Lifestyle, stress, family history, and hormonal changes play significant roles. A well-planned health screening in Dubai ensures women receive individualized care tailored to their stage of life.

Reproductive Health Screenings

Reproductive health forms the foundation of a woman’s overall well-being. Screenings in this area not only support fertility and pregnancy but also help detect underlying health concerns early.

Pap Smear and HPV Testing

• What it is: A Pap smear screens for abnormal cervical cells that may indicate cervical cancer—an HPV test screens for the human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancers.
• Why it matters: Cervical cancer is preventable. Regular Pap smears and HPV tests catch changes before they become dangerous.
• When to get it:
  • Ages 21–29: Pap smear every 3 years
  • Ages 30–65: Pap smear with HPV test every 5 years
  • Over 65: May discontinue if previous tests were normal.

At Eclipse Specialty Clinic, Dr. Sana Azeem recommends all women follow these timelines as part of routine health screening in Dubai.

Pelvic Examination

• What it is: A manual and visual exam of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix.
• Why it matters: Detects infections, fibroids, cysts, and other abnormalities.
• When to get it: Annually from age 21 or earlier if sexually active or experiencing pain or irregular bleeding.

STI Testing

• What it is: Tests for infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis.
• Why it matters: Many STIs show no symptoms but can cause infertility and long-term complications.
• When to get it:
  • Under 25: Annual screening
  • Over 25: Based on risk factors (new/multiple partners, unprotected sex)
  • HIV: At least once in a lifetime or more if at risk

These are part of the essential health screenings for women and are available through confidential testing at Eclipse Specialty Clinic.

Breast Health Screenings

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Early detection through screening increases survival rates significantly.

Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)

• What it is: A physical exam by your doctor to check for lumps or changes.
• When to get it:
  • Ages 20–39: Every 1–3 years
  • 40 and older: Annually

Mammogram

• What it is: A low-dose X-ray that captures images of the breast tissue.
• Why it matters: It can detect tumors before they are felt.
• When to get it:
  • Ages 40–44: Optional, based on risk
  • Ages 45–54: Every year
  • 55 and older: Every 2 years

If you have a family history of breast cancer, Dr. Sana Azeem may recommend an earlier screening schedule as part of your health screening in Dubai.

Breast Self-Exam

• What it is: A monthly self-check to observe changes in the breast.
• Why it matters: Familiarity helps detect lumps or abnormalities early.
• When to do it: Every month, starting in your 20s.

Heart Health Screenings

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death among women globally. Screening helps catch silent risk factors early.

Blood Pressure

• Why it matters: High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.
• When to get it:
  • At least every 2 years if normal
  • More frequently, if high or at risk

Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile)

• What it is: A blood test that checks LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
• When to get it:
  • Starting at age 20: Every 4–6 years
  • More often, if diabetic, overweight, or with family history

Blood Sugar (Glucose) Test

• Why it matters: Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease and affects many women in the UAE.
• When to get it:
  • Age 45 and above: Every 3 years
  • Earlier, if obese, hypertensive, or have a family history

These tests are integral to essential health screenings for women, especially in regions like Dubai, where lifestyle diseases are on the rise.

Bone Health Screening

Bone health declines with age, especially after menopause, due to hormonal shifts.

Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan)

• What it is: A low-radiation scan to measure bone strength.
• Why it matters: Detects early signs of osteoporosis before fractures occur.
• When to get it:
  • Women aged 65+
  • Younger women with risk factors such as low body weight, steroid use, or family history

Dr. Sana Azeem often includes this test in women’s health screening in Dubai packages post-menopause.

Cancer Screenings Beyond Breast and Cervix

Colorectal Cancer

• What it is: Screening includes stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.
• When to get it:
  • Starting at age 45
  • Earlier, with a family history of symptoms

Skin Cancer Screening

• What it is: A full-body exam to check for unusual moles or lesions.
• Why it matters: Dubai’s sun exposure raises skin cancer risk.
• When to get it: Yearly, especially with fair skin or personal/family history

These are often overlooked but form part of the essential health screenings for women, especially for those living in hot climates like Dubai.

Mental Health Screenings

Mental well-being and physical health go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, symptoms of anxiety and depression are often dismissed.

Depression Screening

• What it is: A short questionnaire assessing your emotional state.
• When to get it: As part of your annual checkup or when symptoms like sadness, fatigue, or hopelessness appear.

Anxiety Screening

• What it is: An assessment to evaluate worry, panic, and stress levels.
• When to get it: Whenever symptoms disrupt daily life.

At Eclipse Specialty Clinic, we view mental health as a critical component of health screening in Dubai, especially for women managing work-life pressures.

When Should You Start Health Screenings?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” schedule. Your personal and family history, lifestyle, and age influence the right start time. Dr. Sana Azeem offers personalized screening plans tailored to each woman’s needs so you never miss an important check.

Final Thoughts

Proactive care saves lives. The essential health screenings for women listed above aren’t just medical protocols—they’re tools of empowerment. At Eclipse Specialty Clinic, our expert-led screening services are designed to give women clarity, control, and confidence in their health journey.

Whether it’s a Pap smear, a DEXA scan, or a cholesterol test, every screening is a step toward a healthier, longer life. Under the care of Dr. Sana Azeem, you can be sure your health screening in Dubai is thorough, respectful, and personalized.

Book your screening today—and encourage the women in your life to do the same. Because prevention isn’t just a choice—it’s a commitment to your future.