Hello EM444 and a big welcome to Cancer Chat, 

I can imagine this letter made you feel a little anxious especially if you have had abnormal smears in the past and it's the 2nd one that hasn't gone back to normal. It's good that you are having regular smears though and that it has been monitored and detected so that you can get the treatment you need which will hopefully deal with the problem once and for all. 

Our website  explains what abnormal cervical cells are: "an abnormal cervical screening test result means that you have changes in the cells covering the neck of your womb (cervix). These changes are not cancer." It has in-depth information on treatment if you have abnormal cervical cells including the colposcopy which I hope will reassure you. It is important to have treatment anytime these high grade changes are detected. We've had countless members of our forum who have been through this before and who have, like you, been a bit worried about it and I hope that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses, feel free to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

I am so sorry that whilst you are going through this, your partner is going through bladder cancer treatment. It is indeed a lot to have to deal with and I hope he is ok and that the treatment is going well. Don't hesitate to post about his story too on a new thread if you wish to do so or if he would like to talk about it, he is also welcome to join the forum to meet others in a similar situation.

Best of luck for your colposcopy - I hope it all goes well and that your future smears will be normal again. 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator