Cancer Research UK has dropped the word "women" from its smear test campaign material to include "everyone with a cervix".

The move comes in an attempt to encourage transgender men to get tested after the charity previously urged women between 25 and 64 to get screened.

In a tweet, Cancer Research UK wrote: "Cervical screening (or the smear test) is relevant for everyone aged 25-64 with a cervix. Watch our animation to find out what to expect when you go for screening."

An animated character in the accompanying video added: "If you've got a cervix then cervical screening is for you."

Cervical screening (or the smear test) is relevant for everyone aged 25-64 with a cervix. Watch our animation to find out what to expect when you go for screening #CervicalScreeningAwarenessWeek pic.twitter.com/1RwvwVOCfx — Cancer Research UK (@CR_UK) June 13, 2018

The charity defended the decision to change the campaign language during Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, which started on Monday.


It said the language used now reflected different gender identities.

"Cervical cancer develops in anyone who has a cervix," said Fiona Osgun from Cancer Research UK.

"This includes women as well as people with other gender identities such as trans men.

"But screening might not be relevant for all women such as those who have had a full hysterectomy.

"We phrased our information on cervical screening awareness week to reflect this."