Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your health anxiety and how it is affecting your life.

Just to try and reassure you if I can, the cervical screening programme is all about the prevention of cancer. The aim is to identify abnormal cells, treat them and then continue to monitor them until they return to normal.

The HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is an incredibly common virus which most people will come in to contact at some point in their lives so you are definitely not alone. It is the HPV virus that is responsible for changes in the cells. We have an excellent screening programme in this country. 

It is the HPV virus that is responsible for the changes in your cells. You may find that when you get the results from the LLETZ procedure that they have removed all the abnormal cells.

They will then continue to monitor you until they have gone back to normal. These tests are performed on woman on a day in day out basis so cancer can be prevented. Normally your own immunity will go on top of the HPV virus but it can take a couple of years. It also helps if you are not a smoker.

The most important thing that women can do is to continue to attend regular screening appointments.

Health anxiety affects so many people particularly after the pandemic that we have all been through. You may find it helpful to talk through your anxieties with your GP. There are some coping techniques that you might find helpful such as CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) which you can read about on the NHS website here

You may also find it helpful to look at the the information written by the NHS called 'Every Mind Matters'. It has good coping techniques. Have a look at the information here

Try if you can to distract yourself whilst you wait for your results. Keep yourself busy and your mind on other things whilst you wait for your appointment.

I do hope that I have helped reassure you. Do have a chat with your GP about how you are feeling as there is support that is available.

All the Very Best,

Catherine