LeAnn Rimes shared an update on her health in an Instagram post, revealing that she underwent a “minor” surgical procedure to remove precancerous cells following an abnormal pap smear.

Rimes, 41, wrote: “Over the past couple of years, I’ve either been going through dental surgeries or recovering from a vocal hemorrhage around this time, which was all pretty depressing. But, I have to say, this January has been joyful and easeful. However, yesterday, I underwent a minor surgery … Several months back, I had my annual pap smear, which came back abnormal. In fact, I’ve had abnormal paps since I was 17 and through regular pap smears and colposcopies, my doctors have been keeping an eye on any cellular changes.” A subsequent colposcopy and lab testing on her pap smear sample led Rimes to being diagnosed with high-grade cervical dysplasia, or precancerous cervical cell changes. Rimes continued: “I consulted with my doctor and we jointly decided that a LEEP procedure would be in my best interest, in order to remove the high grade, abnormal, precancerous cells. I’ve had enough trauma in my life already, so I prefer to be out and comfortable … So, ladies, please don’t put off getting your annual pap. My men, too… make sure you get your annual physical, minus the pap smear .”

Rimes ended her post by saying that early cervical cancer doesn’t typically show symptoms, and early detection can be lifesaving: “I believe the more shares and conversations we have around women’s wellness, the more we take the ewww factor out of talking about vaginas and put the power back in our hands, to be able to take the best care of our bodies that we can.”

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