The Cervical Screening Test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for almost all cervical cancers. An abnormal result does not mean you have cancer. It usually means HPV has been detected, or that some cells on the cervix have changed and need a closer look.

Most HPV infections clear naturally within a year or two. Cell changes caused by HPV are very slow to progress, which is why regular screening is so effective — it identifies changes long before they become a serious problem.

If your result requires follow-up, you may be referred for a colposcopy. This is an outpatient examination in which the cervix is viewed under magnification. If an area looks abnormal, a small biopsy may be taken. The procedure takes around ten to fifteen minutes and is generally well tolerated.

Depending on the findings, you may simply need repeat screening in twelve months, or a short procedure to remove the affected cells. Whatever the result, the aim is a clear explanation of what it means for you and a straightforward plan for follow-up.