Hi Anna

You've probably had hpv for a long time but simply weren't aware. It's only in recent years that testing for the virus has happened, and when the virus is dormant it won't show up on a result anyway. Unfortunately there's no way of knowing how long you've had it.

It's  possible you could have had abnormal cells in the past too which weren't picked up on a smear as it's not a 100% reliable test. But the main thing is that abnormal cells are not cancer, and can be removed.

Personally I wouldn't see the need to tell relatives about hpv or abnormal cells, as it is extremely common to have this kind of result and it can be treated in a straightforward procedure, so I wouldn't have wanted to cause unnecessary worry to others.

Just posting an update on my journey.., 

My results came back as 1a1 cervical cancer, I've now had two Letzs both with unclear margins of precancer although actual cancer 'appears' to be removed so on Thursday I'm booked for a Pre Op for hysterectomy. I feel quite positive about this that it's early and it's been taken away but to say I'm scared is still such an understatement as I'm sure you will all know. What worries me is I've had no scans/tests/bloods - is this normal? 
There is talk of doing the operation laposcopicly but I have mesh from incisional hernia from a prev. Operation on my kidney, and have years of scaring on what's left of my left kidney to bladder structure - worried about 'accidental damage' so would rather have open.... is this unreasonable?
Also read for cancer hysterectomy open is preferred?

Sorry I'm so confused I've only seen same consultant twice, every other time has been a different consultant over 3 hospitals. The only consistency was before the diagnosis and when I was under the Nurse specialist and her team.