Understanding Your Cervical Screening Results

Key Information

• Understanding HPV: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common virus that most people will encounter. Your immune system usually clears it, but it can remain inactive in the body for years.
• HPV Negative: This is the most common result. It means high-risk HPV was not found, your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low, and you will return to routine screening invitations.
• HPV Positive: If high-risk HPV is found, do not panic. It does not mean you have cancer. It simply means the lab needs to check your sample for changes to your cervical cells.
• The Two Positive Outcomes:
  • No Cell Changes: You have HPV, but your cells are normal. You will be invited back in one year to see if the virus has cleared.
  • Cell Changes Found: The virus has caused changes to the cells. You will be referred for a simple follow-up procedure called a colposcopy to take a closer look.