Regular cervical screening will help to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix (the lower part of the womb) before cancer has had a chance to develop.
If any changes are found, your GP will discuss with you whether to wait and see if the changes go away on their own or whether you need treatment.
Abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix can be caused by certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV).
HPV is the name of a family of common viruses that affect the skin and the mucus membranes (moist tissue that lines parts of the body), such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat.
In the UK, it is estimated that 8 out of 10 people are infected with HPV at some point during their lifetime. For most people, the virus goes away without treatment and does not cause any harm.
However, infection with some types of HPV can cause abnormal cell growth, which can lead to cervical cancer. Other forms of HPV cause genital warts.
HPV infection is passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The types of HPV that can cause abnormalities in the cells of your cervix are transmitted through sexual contact.
There are high-risk and low-risk types of HPV. Types HPV-16 and HPV-18 are considered high risk for cervical cancer. If you are infected with these high-risk types of HPV, you are more at risk of developing cancerous cells in your cervix.
How common are abnormal results?
About 9 out of 10 cervical screening results are normal. Around 1 in 20 show mild cell changes. For most women with mild cell changes, the cells will return to normal without treatment.
If your results show abnormal cells, you will be sent for screening every six months to monitor the cells. You will only be given treatment if the cells do not go back to normal.
Approximately 1 in 100 test results show moderate cell changes and 1 in 200 show severe changes. If your results indicate more serious cell changes such as these you will have a colposcopy to investigate further. A colposcopy is a procedure where the surface of the lining of the cervix is closely examined.
It is very rare for cancer to be diagnosed from the results of a cervical screening test. Less than 1 in 1,000 test results show invasive cancer.
