Does an abnormal Pap smear mean that I have cervical cancer?

An abnormal Pap smear can mean a lot of different things—don’t assume it means you have cancer, do be sure to ask your doctor or nurse to explain the results and the recommended treatment completely. Often your body will heal itself and your next Pap smear will be normal. Sometimes you will need a more thorough exam of your cervix, called colposcopy, or a treatment to your cervix directly.