SAJID Javid has read NHS bosses the riot act for dropping the word “women” from online health advice.
The Health Secretary is worried garbled language risks harming patients, a close ally said.
“Women” had been switched with phrases such as “anyone with ovaries” in a bid to be inclusive.
But NHS Digital has been ordered to think again — and told to run any future changes past senior officials at the Department of Health.
Among web pages affected are ones on ovarian, womb and cervical cancers — diseases that affect only those born female.
Campaigners warn referring to men and women by their body parts risks confusion.
Child health expert Dr Karleen Gribble, a professor at Western Sydney University, who researches public health communication, said: “De-sexed language is less accessible.
“Many people do not even know if they have a cervix or prostate, it is technical language.
“But they do understand men or women.
“The potential harm is people don’t respond to public health messaging.
“It might result in a fatal delay in seeking health care.”
Last night NHS Digital said: “We keep the pages under continual review to ensure they use language that is inclusive, respectful and relevant.”
