Smear test abnormalities 'self-heal' in some cases

Research in the British Medical Journal has suggested that early cell changes that can turn into cervical cancer may get better without treatment in 50 per cent of cases.

Looking at the outcomes of more than 3,000 women, the study discovered that half of the ‘moderate’ lesions found on routine smear tests regressed spontaneously, highlighting the need for women to attend cervical screening when invited.

Doctors may treat ‘moderate’ pre-cancerous lesions, classified as CIN2, but leave and monitor low grade CIN1 lesions. The BMJ study suggests that over half of all untreated cases will get better spontaneously within two years, just under one-third will persist and just under one in five will get worse.

Robert Music from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said: "The findings of this study should be treated with caution, as indicated by the researchers. However, some women can experience psychological or physical side-effects following treatment for abnormal cells so if further evidence indicates monitoring over treatment is sufficient in some cases then this is positive. If you are currently waiting for or going through treatment, please do not let this deter you. Further and more rigorous research is needed to fully understand the implications of this study."