A leading cancer charity has apologized for using the word ‘cervix’ instead of trans-friendly ‘anterior hole’.
The Canadian Cancer Society, led by philanthropist Andrea Seale, recognized the LGBTQ+ community one day web page dedicated to cervical cancer, under the ‘words matter’ section of the page.
The nonprofit said “many” non-binary people and transgender men have “mixed feelings” or “feel distanced” from the term cervix.
“We recognize that many trans men and non-binary people have mixed feelings about or distance themselves from words like ‘cervix,'” the statement said.
“You may prefer other words, such as ‘front hole.’ We recognize the limitations of the words we have used, but also recognize the need for simplicity. Another reason we use words like ‘cervix’ is to normalize the reality that men can have these body parts too.”
The Canadian Cancer Society reported that they will replace the term “cervix” with “front hole” out of respect for the transgender community
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, anyone with a cervix, “regardless of gender or sexual orientation,” should have regular cervical cancer screenings or Pap smears by age 25.
Cervical cancer occurs when a growth of cells forms in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
It is usually caused by the common sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus (HPV).
The cancer can be treated with radiation, chemotherapy, medications, and surgery to remove the cells.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, anyone with a cervix, “regardless of gender or sexual orientation,” should have regular cervical cancer screenings or Pap smears by age 25.
The nonprofit added that people should be screened every three years, regardless of whether they are taking testosterone or not.
‘It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking testosterone as this can cause changes in cervical tissue that could affect your test results,’ the charity added.
The Canadian Cancer Society also noted that healthcare providers should “help you understand the benefits and limitations of cancer screening.”
The nonprofit, run by philanthropist Andrea Seale (pictured), recognized the LGBTQ+ community on a web page dedicated to cervical cancer, under the “Words Matter” section.
“They should confirm your gender and carry out any tests in a way that minimizes your discomfort and any feelings of gender dysphoria you may have,” the charity said.
The charity also highlighted the ways in which trans, non-binary and gender diverse people face “significant barriers” to accessing healthcare, including transphobia and discrimination, limited knowledge of healthcare providers, concerns about emotional and physical safety and a “lack of trans-specific resources.’
Many commenters quickly flocked to social media to respond to the nonprofit’s stance.
‘Cervix! I have a damn cervix. This is just gross. You will never receive another donation from me,” one said.
Another wrote: ‘How indifferent you are when you question identity, biology and [sic] feelings of people who actually have a cervix. You should be ashamed.’
Tom Quiggin, a former military intelligence officer and intelligence contractor for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, also commented on the statement.
“It may be time to walk away from the Canadian Cancer Society. They have lost the plot,” Quiggin said Friday.
Another commenter said, “I think the Canadian Cancer Society doesn’t want our donations. Why else would they insult women like that?’
TikTok’s viral Twitter account Libs also said the charity’s statement was “beyond parody.”
‘UNREAL. To be “inclusive,” the Canadian Cancer Society will no longer use the term “cervix,” but will instead use the term “anterior hole.” More than parody,” the account said.
Others purposefully included the word “CERVIX” under an Instagram post the charity made on Wednesday.
DailyMail.com contacted the Canadian Cancer Society for comment.
This isn’t the first time the charity has shared its views on transgender women and cervical cancer.
In 2023, the nonprofit recommended that transgender women talk to their doctors about cervical cancer screening.
Canada’s largest cancer charity said there is a “very small risk” that transgender women “could develop cancer in the tissue used to create your vagina and cervix.”
The recommendation only applies to those who have undergone bottom surgery – a vaginoplasty – because those with male genitalia do not have a cervix and are therefore not at risk of cervical cancer.
A ‘neo-cervix’, which can be made from the skin of the penis, can contract the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer.
“If you are a trans woman and have not had buttock surgery, you are not at risk of cervical cancer,” the spokesperson said. Canadian Cancer Society wrote in an article.
In 2023, the nonprofit recommended that transgender women talk to their doctors about cervical cancer screening
‘However, if you are a trans woman who has had bottom surgery to create a vagina (vaginoplasty) and possibly a cervix, there is a very small risk that you will develop cancer in the tissues of your neo-vagina or neo-cervix. .’
The Canadian Society says neocervixes are at risk of developing cancer because both the skin of the penis and the skin in the female reproductive tract can contract the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can be contracted through vaginal, anal or oral sex.
The vaccine against HPV is more than 90 percent effective, experts estimate.
Because the skin of the penis can contract HPV, this leads to transgender women having a chance of developing cancer in their neocervix, according to Medical news today.
Both cisgender and transgender women can detect cervical cancer through Pap smears.
An ovarian cancer charity in Britain has recently sparked outrage after being accused of endangering women and insulting victims by claiming anyone can get the disease ‘regardless of gender’.
Ovarian Cancer Action sparked outrage with its tweet, which featured the LGBT+ rainbow flag and said: ‘Let’s raise awareness by asking: can men get ovarian cancer?’
It added: ‘Anyone with ovaries, regardless of gender identity, may be at risk of ovarian cancer.’
TV presenter Piers Morgan was one of the X users who commented on the post, saying: ‘What the hell are you talking about?’
Ovarian Cancer Action sparked outrage with a tweet claiming anyone can get the disease ‘regardless of gender’. TV presenter Piers Morgan commented on the post, saying: ‘What the hell are you talking about?’
“Only WOMEN have ovaries, and if you think men have them too, you’re nowhere near public health.”
The Ovarian Cancer Action website describes ovaries as ‘part of the female reproductive system’ and its homepage states: ‘Women don’t just deserve better, they deserve the best.’
Ovarian cancer is said to kill around 4,100 women a year in Britain and the disease occurs when abnormal cells grow in and around the ovaries and fallopian tube.
The disease is often diagnosed late because the symptoms are common and are often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome.
They include bloating, stomach pain, difficulty eating, and increased urination.