Hello there and thanks for posting

I appreciate this must be a worrying time for you needing more tests following cervical screening but try not to over think things for now if you can.

Screening is all about cancer prevention and cervical screening is designed to pick up abnormalities at an early stage where it can be monitored or treated until everything returns to normal.

Cervical screening first tests for the presence of the human papilloma virus, a very common infection passed through intimate skin to skin contact. Usually the body can clear hpv within a couple of years of coming into contact with it but sometimes it doesn't and there are some higher risk strains of hpv that can cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix, which left undetected over time may turn into cancer.

If the sample is hpv positive then abnormal cells are looked for in cytology under a microscope. If abnormal cells are found the person is invited to colposcopy for a closer look, possible biopsy to confirm the type of abnormality that will determine what treatment is needed.

Abnormal cells aren't usually cancer but precancerous cells. It is rare for someone to be diagnosed with cervical cancer through screening and if it does happen it is often at an early stage where it can be successfully treated.

I hope this helps and that your appointment goes well. Do get back if you need to or have further questions. The nurses can also be contacted on our helpline 0808 800 4040, Monday-Friday 9-5.

All the best to you

Naomi