Smear test

Hello Dollypawton666,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Megan, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Welcome to the online community. I hope you have been finding it to be a supportive place. I can see you are yet to join any groups. You might be interested in exploring the New to the Community forum.

I am sorry to hear your recent smear test results are causing you worry and anxiety. It is normal to feel anxious when awaiting test results and I hope this information on How to ease worry when waiting for medical test results proves useful during this time.

It is very important to remember that the Human papilloma virus (HPV) is extremely common, many people have it unknowingly, and you should not feel dirty or think negatively about yourself for having found this. I also hope it is reassuring to know that having endometriosis is not a likely cause or risk factor for developing cervical cancer.

Having abnormal cervical cells doesn’t mean that you have cancer. The changed cells often go back to normal by themselves. In a small number of people, treatment might be given to prevent them developing into cancer in the future.  

Understanding more about the colposcopy procedure may help you feel less nervous about what to expect. I hope that it is also reassuring to know that the colposcopy is generally considered not to be painful but may sometimes feel uncomfortable.

I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Best wishes, Megan

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref MD/KM