Abnormal test results

About 1 in 20 women receive a test result that shows some abnormality (NHS Screening programme). Nearly all abnormal results show no more than small changes in cells. Some abnormal changes may disappear without the need for any treatment.

Depending on the type of abnormality, some women who have an abnormal test result for the first time are asked to return for cervical screening in six months because sometimes abnormal cells may return to normal by themselves. Others are referred to hospital for a colposcopy examination and further investigations (see The Colposcopy Examination).

Cathy was reassured by the information she received with her abnormal test result letter. 6 months later she had another test which was normal.

She has had more than one abnormal test result and so she has been referred to the colposcopy clinic for investigations.

Receiving an abnormal test result can cause considerable shock and anxiety, particularly when this happens for the first time, or happens again for a second time. Some women were frightened that they had cancer. It is extremely rare for an abnormality found at screening to be cancer. Others were less worried because they had previously had abnormal results and regular check-ups or they had been given sufficient information to understand that their abnormal cells were not cancerous and could be treated or would revert to normal by themselves. One woman thought a mistake had been made with her test result because she thought she would feel ill if there was something wrong.

Kim was concerned about her abnormal test result but talking to the nurse at her GP practice reassured her.

Describes her feelings about receiving a second abnormal test result.

She was terrified when she received a borderline test result because she thought she had cancer.

She wasn't too concerned when she received another abnormal test after a period of normal results.

Her abnormal cells returned to normal without any treatment.

She was shocked when she received an abnormal test because she felt fit and healthy.

Some women received another abnormal test after several years of normal results.

She had a recurrence of abnormal cells after seven years and she explains how differently she felt the second time it happened.

Other women said they felt concerned when their test results indicated a change in the severity of their abnormal cervical cells.

She felt terrified at learning that her abnormal cervical cells had progressed to CIN3 in a short time.

Waiting for a repeat test or for an appointment at a colposcopy clinic was a difficult time for many women. Some felt less anxious after reading information leaflets, or by talking to their GP or another medical professional, or speaking to family or friends who had experience of abnormal cells.

Speaking to a health professional reassured her that waiting for 6 months for a repeat test would not put her at risk.

Talking to other women reassured her after she had an abnormal result.

Feeling that they could trust the information they were being given by their GP or other medical professional was important in reducing the worry for some women. Several tried to think positively, to deal with one stage at a time and to recognise that abnormal cells could be treated.

Her trust in her GP was important in reducing her anxiety about receiving an abnormal test result.

Explains how she managed her feelings of fear when she received an abnormal result.

Last reviewed January 2011.

Last updated February 2011.