| "What does it involve?
During a smear test, some cells are taken from the cervix. These are sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. To be able to judge the cells properly, this is best done in the middle of your menstrual cycle, halfway between one period and the next.
The doctor or nurse will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina to allow them to see the cervix. A spatula is then wiped or scraped over the surface of the cervix to remove some cells, which are then transferred to a glass slide. The doctor or nurse may also do an internal examination to check for any problems.
The procedure can be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful. Try to relax. Talk to the doctor or nurse if you're worried.
Liquid-based cytology
A new test called liquid-based cytology (LBC) is being introduced. This involves collecting the cells from the cervix using a plastic brush rather than a spatula. The cells are then put in a small vial of liquid and sent to the lab.
This allows the laboratory staff to get a clearer look at the cells, reducing the rate of inadequate smears from about nine per cent to just one to two per cent, so fewer women need a repeat test.
Results in numbers
For every 100 women who have a cervical smear test, around ten will be recalled for a repeat test because the first test didn't provide enough cells for study. Of those tests that are adequate for diagnosis, nine out of ten are normal.
Of the abnormal results:
One in 20 will show borderline changes or mild changes (CIN1). These may go back to normal without treatment and most women simply need a repeat smear in six months.
One in 100 will show moderate cell changes (CIN2). These women should be offered a colposcopy.
One in 200 will show severe changes (CIN3). These women should be offered a colposcopy.
Fewer than one in 1,000 tests will show invasive cancer. These women need immediate referral to a specialist.
The results
You should receive the result of your smear test in writing within six weeks. The result will be either normal (negative) or abnormal. A small proportion of tests can't be completed because of a lack of visible cells on the slide. In such cases, you'll be invited for a repeat test.
An abnormal test doesn't necessarily mean cancer has been found or that it's likely to develop. The laboratory has simply identified some changes in the cells that require further investigation.
In many cases, these are just minor abnormalities that would disappear without treatment. However, a few will progress to cancer, which is why further investigation is warranted.
Abnormal cells are scaled from borderline normal ('not quite right') through mildly abnormal, severely abnormal to invasive cancer. Depending upon the degree of abnormality, women may be asked to have a repeat smear in six or 12 months or referred for a further test of the cervix known as a colposcopy.
Abnormalities
A variety of terms are used to describe precancerous, or pre-invasive, abnormalities. The most widely used system is cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia, or CIN, which is divided into grades 1 (mild), 2 (moderate) and 3 (severe). These grades are related to the risk of the changes developing into cancer.
Studies have shown that if women with CIN3 aren't given adequate treatment, 36 per cent will have developed an invasive tumour 20 years later. But even though women with CIN1 have 47 times the normal risk of developing cervical cancer, in 50 per cent of cases the cells revert to normal if left alone."
I had borderline changes for years and have finally been given a clear result, i have not needed any treatment. The smears are nothing to worry about, better to be safe then sorry i say!!!! | 
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