Tuesday 7 June 2022 01:46 AM NHS drops the word 'women' from internet guidance on ovarian, womb and cervical ... trends now
The NHS has dropped the word 'women' from its main online health advice for those being treated for cervical, womb and ovarian cancers.
Cervical cancer is now described on the health service's website as 'a cancer that's found anywhere in the cervix' while womb cancer affects 'the womb'.
To see the word 'women' being used to talk about female illness, patients have to click further into the website
England's NHS website - which is often the first port of call for people checking symptoms - previously used the word 'women' to talk about female cancers.
It used to say: 'Cancer of the womb (uterine or endometrial cancer) is a common cancer that affects the female reproductive system. It's more common in women who have been through the menopause.'
But now the NHS website writes: 'Most womb cancer usually starts in the lining of the womb (endometrium), this is also known as endometrial cancer.'
The move has come under fire, according to the Times, from researchers into birth and childcare who worry that those with poor language skills who already have 'worse health outcomes' could find it difficult to understand the NHS website.
All the main overview of the womb (uterus) cancer guidance talks about womb cancer being where a baby grows during pregnancy
Pictured before women who have been through the menopause are mentioned along with the female reproductive system
Dr Karleen Gribble of Western Sydney University, lead author of a recent review on the importance of sexed language in birth and childcare, said she thinks 'desexed language' is 'well intentioned' but could put health at 'risk'
She did acknowledge that there were some parts - subheadings that still used the word women - but added: 'The very first thing needs to be who does this apply to - who needs to listen to the rest of this? Then you can give them information.'
Other examples on the NHS website - part of NHS Digital that now is under NHS England - include referring to ovarian cancer as affecting
