Cervical polyps are very common indeed and, as you say, they can interfere with taking a smear test. A polyp is no more than an overgrowth of one small area of the lining of the cervix.

“Over 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases — which is one of the most common cancers among women — are caused by persistent HPV infections. In fact, the infection can cause cancers in men too. It is ...