The Test That Can Save Your Life
O.K. So you already know that Pap Smears look for abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. And, that getting tested on a regular basis is an important step in taking charge of your health. But you still find yourself feeling anxious when you think about making the appointment. Well, you’re not alone.

Getting Over Your Fear
No one looks forward to having a Pap test - it’s completely normal to feel nervous or scared. So, why not talk to your friends and family? They are a great source of support. That’s what A.J., a young woman who took control of her healthcare did. “My mom said I should [get a Pap Smear] and I was scared, but I went anyway because I knew it was important”. Thankfully, A.J. took her mom’s advice because at age 18, she received an abnormal test result.

You’re Not Alone
Abnormal test results are more common than you realize. As you talk to friends and family, you may discover that someone you care about has also had an abnormal Pap Smear at one point in their lives. Receiving an abnormal test result can be frightening but it doesn’t mean that you have cervical cancer.

What Does Your Abnormal Pap Test Really Mean?
Cervical cancer may develop from abnormal cells through a series of stages. Finding out more about this “path” will help you feel prepared if you or someone that you care about receives an abnormal test result. Here’s some information to get you started. Remember, it’s important to talk openly with your doctor about your Pap Smear and additional procedures that may be necessary.

	ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance). Some cells from the lining of the outer cervix (also called squamous cells) do not appear normal. Additional tests will be necessary to clarify.
	ASC-H (atypical squamous cells – cannot exclude HSIL). Cervical cells do not appear normal. A high-grade lesion may be present, but the cell changes are too minor to be sure.
	LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). Squamous cells are abnormal but are usually not cancerous.
	HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) or AIS (adenocarcinoma in situ). The lesion is precancerous and without further diagnosis and possible treatment it may turn into invasive cancer.

In some cases, an invasive form of cervical cancer may be diagnosed without previous abnormal test results. Everyone may not go through the same process but getting tested regularly and learning as much as you can about cervical cancer is your best defense against this disease.

A.J.’s Surprising Results
At age 18, A.J. was shocked to receive an abnormal test result followed by a diagnosis of cervical pre-cancer. "I was completely unaware of cervical cancer before this happened. I never heard of it, I didn’t even know that anyone could get it. I had no idea how common it was either. It was a completely eye-opening experience." With the support of her family and doctor, A.J. received the necessary treatments and continues to stay on top of her healthcare and share her experience with others.

Taking Control
Your experience may not be the same as A.J.’s, but every woman can benefit from her story. Start by not being afraid of cervical cancer. Instead, embrace information that can help you protect yourself. Stay informed, recognize the importance of early detection, and take an active role in your health by talking openly with your doctor about the disease. You can then share all this valuable information to help the other women in your life protect themselves as well. If we all do this, together we can stop cervical cancer before it starts.