What your cervical screening results mean (with an OB-GYN and a cancer survivor)

What does a smear test actually look for? What can I do if it hurts? What does HPV positive mean? And if I have “abnormal cells”, should I be worried?

On this episode of Too Much Information, Issy is joined by OB-GYN Dr. Carolyn Kay and cancer survivor Cat Mason to unpack the routine examination that 1 in 3 of us are putting off: cervical cancer screening.

If you're confused about the results of your smear/pap test results, worried about pain or embarrassment, delaying your next appointment, or wondering what to expect – this episode is for you.

We’ll be answering the questions…

💭 What is HPV and how common is it?

💭 If I've been vaccinated, do I still need to go?

💭 What happens during a smear test?

💭 Do abnormal cells mean I have cancer?

💭 I'm dreading my next smear, what can I do?

Plus, hearing from a woman whose life was definitely changed, and quite possibly saved, by a routine cervical screening.

About the guests:

Dr Carolyn Kay is an OB-GYN and medical affairs expert who is passionate about making intimidating medical topics feel accessible and empowering. Today, Carolyn works with Roche Diagnostics to improve access, accuracy and patient experience in screening.

Find out more at www.roche.com/stories/cervical-cancer-it-only-ends-with-all-of-us

Catherine Mason is a product developer for cosmetics and toiletries. Since a shock diagnosis of cervical cancer five years ago, she's made it her mission to start conversations about cervical screening with one clear message, "just get it done."

Links and resources*: please consult with your health professional first and foremost to understand your results

🇬🇧 In the UK:

🔗 NHS Cervical Screening: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening

🔗 Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust: www.jostrust.org.uk

🔗 The Eve Appeal: www.eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/preventing-cancer/cervical-screening-results

🔗 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-cervical-cancer-screening-test-results

🔗 ACOG - What to think about if you test positive for HPV: ⁠www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/what-to-think-about-if-you-test-positive-for-hpv

🔗 National Cancer Institute - Understanding cervical changes: www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening/abnormal-hpv-pap-test-results/understanding-cervical-changes.pdf

🇦🇺 In Australia:

🔗 Cancer Council - Understanding your Pap smear or cervical screening test results: www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/screening-tests-and-treatments/early-detection-and-screening/cervical-cancer-screening/understanding-your-cervical-screening-test-results

🔗 CanWe - What your results mean: www.canwe.org.au/the-blog/cervical-screening-101-what-your-results-mean

🇨🇦 In Canada:

🔗 BC Cancer Screening - Understanding your results: www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix/how-it-works/understanding-your-results

🔗 Canadian Cancer Society - HPV test: www.cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/human-papillomavirus-hpv-test

🎙️ Too Much Information is the women’s health podcast that mixes real stories with expert insight. From hormones to gut health, no topic is off limits.

Instagram: @too.much.info.podcast

*Roche Diagnostics does not endorse any of the links or resources shared