Hello and thanks for your post

It is understandable to be concerned when receiving news of an abnormal test result but try not to worry. The cervical screening programme is all about preventing cancer by detecting abnormalities that can then be monitored or treated until everything returns to normal.

It is known that high risk strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are responsible for most abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. If these went undetected after several years (often 10 plus) these could turn into cancer. This is why HPV is now checked for as the first test in the screening programme. If the sample is HPV positive they will then check for abnormal cells in cytology and if there are none present it is normal and safe to be re screened in 1 year.

HPV is an extremely common infection that is passed through intimate skin to skin contact. Usually the body's immune system will clear it within a couple of years of coming into contact with it without it causing any problems. However some people can be re-infected by passing in back and forth between a partner or can be infected with a different strain at a later date. It is also worth knowing some people can have persistent HPV that can linger on but not necessarily cause any harm. Unfortunately it is impossible to know when someone first came into contact with HPV as sometimes it can clear from the body, lay dormant (go to sleep) and re activate some time later. 

As long as women attend for their screening recall and any other follow up appointments the risk of anything serious happening is highly unlikely. It is acceptable to be rescreened again in a year to check the HPV has cleared any time sooner is unlikely to be of any benefit. It can take a good 1-2 years to clear the HPV so it is important to give the body time to do it's job. If the HPV hasn't cleared but still with no abnormal cells they will re screen again in another year. If there are cell changes they will take a closer look in colposcopy and either monitor or treat (if necessary) as mild cell changes can also be cleared and dealt with by the body's immune system.

Cervical screening is very successful so as long as you go along for your appointment and follow the advice given everything should be okay. So please try not to overly worry about this.

I hope this is of use. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene

Thank you for your support Celine.

It's so nice to talk about it with someone who has professional advice instead of judging me. 

I will keep the number in case my Colonoscopy turns bad :/

Have a nice day and Thank you one more time.

D.

Thank you for your support Celine.

It's so nice to talk about it with someone who has professional advice instead of judging me. 

I will keep the number in case my Colonoscopy turns bad :/

Have a nice day and Thank you one more time.

D.