Cancer Research UK main site

Pap/Smear Test

NSG77
Offline

Hi guys 

My mums 48 and has just been for a pap/smear test this morning (she goes every 5 or 3 years for her check up) and has come back rather upset which has prompted some unnerving feelings in our familys minds. She didnt elaborate much but she said they had to take some tissue or something and that she'd get some results in a few weeks. Now me being 17 and a boy i dont really have any idea how this stuff works, is that a bad sign? Ive been frantically googling and have come across cervical cancer, it may not be that but if it is how likely are you to survive it.

If anyone has gone through getting bad results from a pap test or know of it happening, are you able to fill me in on a few details please.

Thanks for reading :)

  • Offline

    I’m only 30 and had my first bad smear at 21, they took a biopsy and all turned out fine. This time I have had another bad test and I’m waiting to find out what going on. It’s going to be a very scary time for your mum because it’s the not knowing that takes a toll. 

    One positive thing is cervical is usually slow growing, your mums been every 3/5 years and been ok so even if they find something hopefully it’s early stages or even pre cancer which is very treatable. 

    Just try and be supportive, it could be absolutely nothing like my first results after the biopsy. 

    If it’s something worse then stay strong as a family, encourage her to eat well lots of veg and to stay positive. 

     

    Hopefully your mums results turn out fine (and mine too) 

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Amyque1988

    Thank you ever so much you’ve put my mind at ease. There’s nothing we can do until the results come back so it’s all a waiting game now. Fingers crossed everything’s ok for you and my mum.

    Will keep posted wishing all the best :)

  • Offline in reply to NSG77

    Hey! 

    I can relate to how she must be feeling.. on thurThuri had my ruteine smear test, straight after the nurse booked me in for a drs appointment on the same day, had another test by the Dr, sent for emergency bloods on the same day and am now waiting for an emergency scan. I have to go back to the drs on Wednesday to talk about my blood results. It's a very scary time not actually knowing what's happening. Best advice is to just comfort her and spend time with her. I actually haven't told my children yet as I don't want to panic them for what could hopefully be nothing. 

     

    I really hope your mum gets the all clear, hugs xx

  • Offline in reply to OliviaRose

    Thank you ever so much for taking the time to reply it really helps. Praying for the all clear for both you and my mum. :) 

  • Offline

    NSG77,

    I can definitely relate, but I want to encourage you this is a very treatable Cancer and I pray your Mom will be okay. Just make sure she keeps her appointments and is closely monitored by the doctor.  

    I had my first abnormal Pap test in December 2016, followed up with further paps every six months. From then till now I’ve only had one of those paps come back “normal”. The cells keep showing mildly abnormal, but my physician sent me to a Gynecologist for further investigation. She did another Pap last October as well as a Colposcopy and an HPV lab test in December. The Pap came back abnormal again, but the Colposcopy was clear and I am HPV negative.  Currently I am on a six month recall for another Colposcopy in June, because she wants to keep a close eye on me. I’ve had two friends with Cervical Cancer and I am so anxious about everything, but I am trusting God I will be okay. 

    The positive news is that Cervical Cancer is a slow growing cancer and very curable if caught in time.  Trusting all of you will be okay, myself included. Someone above said the not knowing is worse than anything and I totally agree. The waiting and watching is awfully stressful. God bless you all! 

    — Kristin 

  • Offline in reply to KristinLG

    Yeah its the waiting and not knowing which is getting me, but whats also keeping me going is that she feels no different and has no side effects at all. I didnt know it was very treatable and slow so thats good to know as she went to her last appointment 3 years ago so if it was bad news (fingers crossed its not) it shouldnt have advanced much.

    Thank you for taking the time to reply wishing you all the best :) 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.