It's a common result, they will take a closer look at your cervix, this result doesn't mean you have cancer, it's to look for changes so that treatment can be given to prevent cancer developing. 

Hello clo99 and thanks for your post,

I can understand that getting an abnormal screening result can cause a lot of concern but try not to over think it for now.

The screening programme has been set up to identify any abnormal cells, treat them and then monitor the area until the cells go back to normal.

The Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is very common with the majority of the population affected at some point in their life particular if they are sexually active. It is the virus that is responsible for causing changes in the cells. This is not cancer and for cancer to occur may take many years. The aim is to treat the cells so cancer never develops. 

There is nothing you can do to get rid of the HPV virus apart from trying to lead a relatively healthy life and not smoke. It is normally your own immunity that will get on top of the virus but this can take a couple of years and sometimes a bit longer.

At the appointment they can view the cervix more closely and take biopsies ( tissue samples) if needed to confirm the type and severity of the abnormal cells. Sometimes they treat at the time and in other cases they will wait for the biopsy results before working out a treatment plan.

You can read on our website about abnormal cervical cells and what happens at a colposcopy clinic

I do hope this explain it all but if you would like to talk any of this through then you are welcome to give us a ring.

Our helpline number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the nurses are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine