A Pap Test Showed Cell Changes in Your Cervix

You're probably reading this booklet because your health care provider told you that your recent Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear) showed cell changes in your cervix. Although it is quite common to feel uneasy about your Pap test results, it may comfort you to know that each year more than 3 million women receive similar results.

"I didn't understand my results at first-- and a part of me didn't want to understand. But I knew this was important . . . and in the end, everything turned out fine." MARLENE, AGE 45

Not All Cell Changes Are Cancer

The good news is that almost always, women with cell changes do not have cancer of the cervix (also called cervical cancer). But it is important that you protect your health by getting the follow-up tests and care that your health care provider suggests.

Cell changes do not mean that you will get cancer of the cervix. And because your cell changes were found, simple tests or treatments can help you. When cell changes are found and treated early, almost all women can avoid getting cervical cancer.

Getting Your Questions Answered

So what is the next step? What do your results mean? Does this mean you need treatment and, if so, what kind? This booklet helps answer these questions and discusses:

• Types of changes in your cervix
• Common tests and treatments
• How to find the support and resources you need

You will probably have other questions, or you might be concerned about the choices you may need to make. These reactions are normal. But understanding your Pap test results--and what to expect when the results are not normal--can help you make informed decisions and plan your next steps.

A dictionary explains terms that may be new to you. These terms will appear in bold.

Glossary Terms

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.

A procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix for examination under a microscope. It is used to detect cancer and changes that may lead to cancer. A Pap test can also show conditions, such as infection or inflammation, that are not cancer. Also called Pap smear and Papanicolaou test.