Hello and thank you for posting,

I am sorry you are having these worries about cancer and abnormal cells on a cervical smear.

The screening programme has changed to HPV primary testing, so is checked first for high-risk HPV and only if it is positive will the cells be checked.  If you do not have high-risk HPV you will be invited back for cervical screening in 3 or 5 years depending on your age and where you live. We have more information about this on our website here.  

The national cervical screening programme was created after many years of research into cervical cancer and HPV and has meant a huge decrease in cervical cancer cases in this country. As long as women attend their screening appointments and reduce other lifestyle factors like smoking (which can make it more difficult for the body to get rid of HPV if present), then the likelihood of a future problem is significantly reduced.

When cancer is in the family, people often assume that this greatly increases their risk of developing it, but this isn't always true.  Although the genes we inherit may influence our risk, this might not be by very much. No one is risk-free and the risk of cancer increases for all of us as we get older. This is quite a complicated topic and it might be useful to look at our website which has a section explaining genes and inherited cancer risk at this link.

You have said that you have been told you are at greater risk of cancer due to other family cancers. Faulty cancer genes can be passed from one generation to the next, but they are uncommon. Do speak to your GP about what you have been told, or the genetics team that was involved with your family, so that you understand your situation better.

Genetic testing in the NHS is only usually offered to people with a strong family history, as this predicts who is most likely to have inherited a cancer gene fault.

Take care and please do get back to us if you have any more questions or give us a call at 0808 800 4040. We are here from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Sarah.