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Educate, Advocate + Mobilize: A Q+A with Jennifer Gillivan
November 15, 2024This past month WHCC welcomed a new member, the IWK Foundation located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The IWK Foundation raises funds to support IWK Health which is renowned for its comprehensive research and healthcare services for women and children across the Maritimes and beyond. To learn more about the IWK Foundation and the vision of its leadership for the future of women's health, we asked Jennifer Gillivan, President + CEO about current priorities, the road ahead, and what we can do to get there. To keep reading about the IWK Foundation and IWK Health visit www.iwkfoundation.org. What do you see as the priority areas in women’s health research today? JG: We need to ensure there is a gender variable stream of research done across the board. Canada is one of the first countries to require gender variable to be included in research, but we don’t enforce it. Once we have gender specific research – which is the first line of precision medicine – then, we will have the data we need to properly ensure we are treating women’s health according to their bodies. Are there projects or initiatives happening at the IWK Foundation or IWK Health that you are particularly excited about? JG: The IWK Foundation is working towards launching a campaign…
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Women’s Health Collective Canada Welcomes the IWK Foundation as Its Newest Member
October 24, 2024Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is proud to announce the addition of the IWK Foundation to its membership. The IWK Foundation, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, raises funds to support IWK Health which is renowned for its comprehensive research and healthcare services for women and children across the Maritimes and beyond. Its entry into the Collective marks a significant milestone for WHCC as the first new member to join since the alliance was founded in 2021. The expansion solidifies WHCC’s position as one of Canada’s foremost women’s health charities, establishing it as a truly coast-to-coast alliance. This growth strengthens WHCC’s ability to engage a nationwide audience and corporate partners, broadening its reach and enhancing its capacity to address critical women's health issues through impactful fundraising. “We are excited to welcome the IWK Foundation to WHCC,” said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, a founding member of WHCC. “This not only strengthens our position to improve women's health across Canada, but also sends a powerful message that women’s health and research is an issue we need to take seriously and work collaboratively to address. Together, we will continue to move the needle and make a tangible impact on…
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October is World Menopause Month
October 18, 2024October is World Menopause Month and an excellent opportunity to highlight the forward progress made by researchers and healthcare practitioners around the world on the understanding, awareness and treatment of menopause. Never before, it seems, has there been so much attention dedicated to this important topic in media and public discourse. This conversation is a meaningful development and progress in itself. But there is more work to be done to reduce stigma, advance knowledge and ensure that all women have access to high quality care. A 2023 survey by the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation called Surveying the Silence showed that many women feel uncomfortable talking about menopause-related symptoms and that this can have a detrimental effect on their personal and professional lives, overall well being, and their ability to get care. Bringing menopause out of the shadows and to the forefront of public conversation not only helps combat potential shame, but creates opportunities for women, their doctors, families and communities to learn more about the topic, alleviate stigma and receive proper care. Treatment, too, has improved and become more widely accessible alongside a growing body of research that supports the efficacy of various options. The World Menopause Society has designated…
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Vichy Laboratoires Launches Hormonall to Empower Women’s Wellbeing in Canada, In Partnership with Wellbeing of Women and Supporting Women’s Health Collective Canada
October 18, 2024MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2024 - Vichy Laboratoires, a renowned skincare brand recommended by 70,000 dermatologists globally, announces the Canadian launch of Hormonall, a program going beyond skincare to support women through every life stage. Recognizing the impact of hormonal changes on women's holistic wellbeing, Hormonall provides access to trustworthy information, resources, and a supportive community. "We are thrilled to bring Hormonall to Canadian women," said Marie-Pier Michaud, General Manager, Vichy Laboratoires Canada. "This initiative goes beyond skincare, empowering women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their hormonal changes with confidence." 2 OUT OF 3 WOMEN STRUGGLE IN SILENCE WHEN FACING HORMONAL CHANGES FEELING MISUNDERSTOOD, UNSUPPORTED OR UNINFORMED* A KANTAR quantitative study of over 2,000 women in countries around the world found that two out of three struggle in silence when facing the impact of hormonal changes on their mental and physical wellbeing, feeling misunderstood, unsupported or uninformed. Women share these feelings regardless of age, background, or country. THREE REASONS: LACK OF RESEARCH, CONVERSATION & EDUCATION There are three causes of societal misunderstanding and individual loneliness related to hormonal wellbeing. First, a lack of prioritisation of women's health in the health care system in the field of women's health. Women make up 51%…
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Fertility, Pregnancy & Moving Our Knowledge Forward
September 27, 2024Fertility and reproductive health are vital aspects of a woman's well-being. That’s why, across the country, scientists and researchers at institutes supported by Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) member Foundations are working to shed new light on complex conditions like endometriosis and pregnancy-related complications. These areas of study are crucial, as they not only impact a woman's health and her ability to have children if she chooses, but also affect her overall quality of life. Advancements in knowledge in these areas are helping healthcare providers better understand specific conditions and deliver the high-quality care that all women deserve. At BC Women’s Hospital, Drs. Karen Tran and Wee-Shian Chan are developing and testing new methods to detect and monitor hypertensive disorders in pregnant women. These conditions account for a significant portion of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although our understanding of this area has expanded significantly over the past decades, more information is needed on how to most effectively measure blood pressure in pregnant women. Dr. Tran and Dr. Chan are launching a study to examine how home blood pressure tele-monitoring may provide more accurate assessments in high-risk women. With more precise and earlier detection of high blood pressure,…
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The Cost of Silence: How Shame and Stigma Impact Women’s Health
August 30, 2024In today's world, where we have unprecedented access to information and healthcare, it’s easy to assume that women feel empowered to speak openly about their health and seek care. However, shame and stigma still cast shadows over many aspects of women's health, particularly when it comes to conditions that may feel sensitive or embarrassing. From reproductive health issues, to mental health struggles or menopause, fear and shame can discourage women from talking about their health and seeking the care they need. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. We must work to break down the cultural barriers that perpetuate stigma and encourage open, honest conversations. Healthcare providers, educators, researchers, and community leaders all have roles in fostering an environment where women feel safe and supported in discussing their health concerns. Research can play a crucial role in helping to alleviate the shame associated with sensitive health topics by contributing to better understanding and normalizing conditions. By sharing evidence-based information, research can challenge societal taboos and encourage more open discussions. This empowers individuals to seek medical help without fear of judgement, increases public awareness, and ultimately results in better health outcomes. Additionally, research findings can guide healthcare providers in offering compassionate…
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How We Can Support Women Athletes Through Research
July 15, 2024It's an exciting moment for women's sports. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games start this week and there is a lot to look forward to this year. Canada will send its first-ever 3x3 women's basketball team to the competition, while Penny Oleksiak, Canada's most decorated athlete, will return to the pool to race for gold and add to her already impressive medal count. We're excited to cheer on these athletes and all of Team Canada! Beyond the Olympics, pay equity movements for women athletes are making headway, and organizations like the PWHL are creating new platforms for professional women’s sports. However, equity in sports is about more than just pay or visibility. Equity is also about dedicating resources to supporting women athletes at all stages of their development. There is still a major need to advance our understanding of the effects of sports and physical activity on women's health and to provide women athletes with the same opportunities for excellence enjoyed by their male counterparts. One legacy of underinvestment in this area is the alarming rate of sports injury among women athletes versus men. Women are two to eight times more likely to experience ACL tears than men. It was once…
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Early Onset Breast Cancer + A Pride Month Message
June 25, 2024This June, WHCC is highlighting the concerning rise of early-onset breast cancer, which defined as breast cancer diagnosed in women under the age of 45. According to a new study published in April the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal (CARJ), between 1984 and 2019, there was a 45.5-per-cent increase in breast cancer incidence among women in their twenties. For women in their thirties, there was a 12.5 per-cent increase over the same period. Research shows that both genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors contribute to a woman’s risk of having breast cancer, but further investigation is needed to fully understand the causes and risk factors behind the recent increase. Some potential lifestyle causes have been identified and include lifestyle factors such as increased consumption of processed foods, alcohol, and less exercise, according to Dr. Shuji Ogino who was quoted in a Globe and Mail article about the trend. Interestingly, according to the CARJ article, the fact that many women are delaying or opting out of having children may be at play, as hormone changes during and after pregnancy may lower the risk of breast cancer. This research is critical as it informs of the risks and presentations of breast cancer among…
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All for A Berry Good Cause – Denny’s Canada raises over $10,000 in support of women’s health
May 24, 2024In honour of Mother’s Day and recognizing the importance of all mother figures, Denny’s partnered with Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) earlier this month to host a special fundraiser. From May 7th to 12th, $2 from each Berry Stuffed French Toast Slam sold in 69 participating locations across Canada was donated to support women’s health research in Canada. Thanks to the unwavering loyalty of their guests, Denny’s is thrilled to announce that they were able to raise over $10,000. This incredible amount of money will ensure WHCC can continue its collaborative work in creating access to better and more equal healthcare. “We have always been active members of the communities we serve. We are honoured to partner with Women’s Health Collective Canada on our Mother’s Day fundraiser, supporting the move forward into more inclusive healthcare programs,” shares Deborah Gagnon, President & Chief Operating Officer of Denny’s Canada. “We’re so thankful to our team members and guests for participating in these meaningful events over the years.” Founded in 2021, Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is a strategic alliance of three of Canada’s leading women’s health and hospital foundations, the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation (AWHF), BC Women’s Health Foundation, and Women’s College Hospital Foundation. The purpose of WHCC is…
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Denny’s Canada invites guests to enjoy a sweet treat in support of women’s health
May 8, 2024VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recognition of Mother’s Day on May 12th, Denny’s Canada is delighted to announce that they have partnered with Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) to host a special fundraiser. From May 7th to 12th, in participating stores across Canada, $2 from each Berry Stuffed French Toast Slam order will be donated to help shape a more inclusive future for women’s health. Founded in 2021, Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is a strategic alliance of three of Canada’s leading women’s health and hospital foundations, the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation (AWHF), BC Women’s Health Foundation, and Women’s College Hospital Foundation. The purpose of the WHCC is to raise awareness for equity in women’s health research. Through intentional collaboration and unified advocacy, WHCC brings resources together to address the legacy of inequity through the following; Supporting medical research that addresses the unique needs of women Raising awareness of the gender health gap, dispelling misconceptions about women’s health, and highlighting how healthy women create a healthier Canada Broadening the scope and reach of world-class women’s health programs to connect with every woman Creating higher standards of care for all women "WHCC is pleased to partner with Denny's for their Mother's Day…
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Breaking the Silence about Menopause and Mental Wellness + A Mother’s Day Partnership
May 7, 2024This Mother's Day, let's toast to our amazing moms and mother figures! In celebration of moms and women everywhere, WHCC is proud to partner with Denny’s Canada on a campaign to support women’s health research. From May 7 - 12, $2 from every Berry Stuffed French Toast Slam ordered at participating Denny's locations across Canada will go to WHCC. We thank Denny’s Canada for their support! Amidst the celebration, we also recognize health challenges many women face, such as the often-overlooked mental effects of menopause and perimenopause. Did you know that, according to new research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders nearly 40% of women experience increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings during perimenopause? Stigmas about menopause and perimenopause mean that those suffering from its symptoms may not speak openly about them. The toll this takes on women’s mental health can be severe. Symptoms themselves are added to by the fact that 40% of women feel alone in their menopause experience, according to a report from the Menopause Foundation of Canada. Individual physical and mental impacts are significant, but the effect doesn't stop there. According to another report from the Menopause Foundation of Canada, “unmanaged symptoms of menopause cost the Canadian economy an estimated $3.5 billion each year.” To address these…
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Why Sleep Health is So Important
April 24, 2024Sleep can sometimes be an afterthought in the whirlwind of our lives — yet it is a critical part of our well-being and health. One analysis of 30,000 Canadians published in Sleep Health reported that women experience “lower sleep satisfaction and efficiency compared to men,” indicating that while men and women get similar amounts of sleep, the quality often differs. This can impact a woman’s health as well as quality of life. While adequate sleep health is important for everyone, the stakes are even higher for women. As a result of poor sleep, women experience higher levels of psychological distress and indicators of chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Scientists and clinicians at WHCC’s member Foundations are working to learn more about gender-based differences in sleep. The Lois Hole Hospital Women's Society recently hosted a conversation with sleep researcher Dr. Silvia Pagliardini, of Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, and Registered Psychologist Vanessa Colombina from the Pine Integrated Health Centre called “Between Us: An Interactive Talk on Sleep and Sleep-Related Challenges.” As part of the conversation, Dr. Pagliardini and Vanessa Colombina discuss how sleep interruptions or inconsistencies can make even simple tasks feel challenging, communication with others strained, and life seem overwhelmingly difficult. Here are a…
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Why We Need to #InvestInWomen and Bridge the Health Equity Gap
March 28, 2024On March 8, International Women’s Day is recognized around the world, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day is a call to action for accelerating women's equality which, despite significant progress, demands continued, collaborative effort. For an article for Healthing.ca, journalist Angelica Bottaro spoke to leaders from WHCC founding foundations about how we can work together to provide better healthcare and equity for women within the healthcare system. According to data recently collected in the United States, as many as 80 percent of women healthcare workers and 20 percent of patients have experienced some form of discrimination from the healthcare system. Bottaro asked the three CEOs of WHCC's founding foundations — Sharlene Rutherford, President & CEO, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation; Leslie McCarley, President & CEO, Women's College Hospital Foundation, and; Cally Wesson, President & CEO, BC Women's Health Foundation — about the work of WHCC, why investing in women is so important, and what we can do about it. Read their responses below. What biases do you think exist in the health research space that make it more difficult for women to access health information based on evidence-backed research? A woman can make all the right decisions…
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Celebrating Black Canadian Leaders in Healthcare
February 29, 2024February is Black History Month and this year's theme is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. The theme, "celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future." Healthcare in Canada has benefited enormously from the contributions of Black doctors, nurses and researchers who have historically faced major systemic barriers, but persisted nevertheless. For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, Black Canadians were not allowed to access medical education. Trailblazers like Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta and Bernice Redmon were initially barred from practicing due to their race but overcame this barrier through activism, determination and persistent work, and would go on to make an indelible impact on their field. This early progress helped open the door to the increased participation of Black doctors, nurses and researchers in Canadian healthcare. Here is a brief timeline of this history, featuring just a few of the Black Canadians who have shaped medical practice and research, and whose achievements have positively impacted all Canadians. Additional Resources Introduction to Anti-Black Racism is a learning module developed by Women’s College Hospital and Dr. Notisha Massaquoi. While education cannot by itself dismantle the systemic inequalities Black people face,…
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Kayla Grey and Dr. Aisha Lofters on Culturally Sensitive Care
January 31, 2024As we ease into the new year, WHCC continues to prioritize our commitment to making the world a healthier and more inclusive place for all through promoting culturally sensitive care. According to the BC Medical Journal, culturally sensitive care involves modifying medical care to account for “language barriers, personal biases and assumptions, and lack of knowledge.” These practices are especially important in a country with a population as diverse as Canada’s. By respecting and responding to the unique needs of women in Canada, we can create a more effective and equitable healthcare system. To explore this topic, WHCC hosted a conversation on the importance of culturally sensitive care and healthcare equity between sports broadcaster and health advocate Kayla Grey and Dr. Aisha Lofters, a globally recognized leader in health equity research. Kayla is the host of TSN’s The Shift with Kayla Grey, a regular anchor of SportsCentre, and a courtside reporter for TSN’s live coverage of the Toronto Raptors. In 2018, Kayla became the first Black woman to host a flagship sports highlight show in Canada when she made her SportsCentre debut. In 2022, she received the Change Maker Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Dr. Aisha Lofters…
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Happy Holidays | Talking Heart Health with Dr. Colleen Norris
December 21, 2023Welcome to our final newsletter of 2023. We'd like to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season full of joy and good health! As the holiday season brings us closer to our loved ones, it's a poignant reminder of the importance of good health. Heart disease is the leading cause of premature death in women in Canada, yet many women are unaware of the risks and signs that are unique to them. In the latest episode of the Rebel Mama Hotline, "What’s Up With Women’s Heart Health?” produced in collaboration with WHCC, the Rebel Mama spoke to Dr. Colleen Norris, about how women’s heart health is different than men’s. Dr. Colleen Norris is the Cavarzan Chair in Mature Women’s Health Research, Lois Hole Hospital for Women, and a member of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute. Dr Norris is a professor and associate dean of research with the Faculty of Nursing and holds appointments with the Division of Cardiology, the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Medicine, and School of Public Health. She is the past Chair of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance, Health Policy and Services Working Group. Dr. Norris is internationally recognized for her leadership in…
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WHCC partners with Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ to Support Women’s Health Research
December 5, 2023Women's Health Collective Canada is proud to once again partner with Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ to raise critical funds for women’s health research. Until December 31, Shoppers Drug Mart® customers have the option to contribute to Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ in-store at self check-out or on-line at shoppersfoundation.ca. The partnership will also involve a $500,000 donation from the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™, helping advance equity, excellence, and inclusion in research through WHCC and its members: Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, BC Women’s Health Foundation, and Women’s College Hospital Foundation. The partnership was announced in November at the WHCC National Summit: Pathways to Equity, presented by Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ in Edmonton, a gathering of researchers from the Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada and women’s health advocates. This is the second consecutive year Shoppers Drug Mart® has partnered with WHCC in support of women’s health. In 2022, Shoppers Drug Mart® partnered with WHCC and raised over $600,000. "The mission of WHCC is to advance women’s health research and create more visibility around the current lack of data," said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation. “Joining forces with Shoppers Drug Mart® and Shoppers Foundation for Women's…
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Dr. Erin Kelly on Women’s Pain Management + A Recap of the WHCC Summit
November 28, 2023Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that can be influenced by various factors. Chronic pain, which is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Studies have found that women are more likely than men to experience chronic pain. Women are biologically disposed to painful diseases to painful diseases, such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, and temporomandibular disorders (TMJ). While troubling, these statistics are a first step in addressing the systemic issue of women’s pain, for we can only begin treatment if we know there is an issue. At WHCC’s member institutes, researchers are furthering our knowledge about both the incidence of pain among women as well as its treatment. One of these researchers is Dr. Erin Kelly, a Urogynecologist at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Fellowship Program Director for the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery program at the University of Alberta. Dr. Kelly’s research interests in chronic pelvic pain management and surgery for pelvic floor disorders are particularly relevant to women’s health. Her work aims to improve the quality of life for women who suffer…
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The History and Future of Ovarian Cancer Research
October 31, 2023Isaac Newton famously wrote that he "stood on the shoulders of giants”. The same can be said of the groundbreaking research conducted by WHCC-affiliated institutes, which exists in a long tradition of discoveries and investigations. Ovarian cancer research is one example. While it remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women, there have been important advances in research about it over the last two hundred years. Here is a timeline of some of the important discoveries that have brought us to this point. WHCC’s mission is to support the kind of rigorous research that has unraveled the complexities of this disease. Our researchers at Women's Health Research Institute (BC), Women and Children's Health Research Institute (Alberta), and Women’s College Research Institute (Ontario), are continuing the trailblazing work that began all those years ago.
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Knowing Yourself: Genetics and Health
September 15, 2023Genes are segments of DNA containing instructions for building and maintaining humans. Alterations in DNA sequences — referred to as mutations — can impact a person’s health. Some mutations are related to environmental factors while others are inherited, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The occurrence of specific genetic characteristics varies among groups, and may be correlated with race, ethnicity or sex. There are several genetic conditions that specifically affect women. For example, everyone inherits two copies of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes at birth. These genes help control normal cell growth. In some cases, people inherit mutations in these genes, which puts them at a greater risk for “breast and ovarian cancers as well as some other cancers, such as prostate and pancreatic cancers.” In fact, BRCA mutations “predispose women to a higher lifetime risk of breast (up to 80%) and ovarian cancer (up to 20 – 40%).” The discovery of BRCA in the early 1990s allowed patients and doctors to better understand the risk associated with certain types of cancers. Screening and management options are available to “reduce the risk of developing cancer, detect cancer at an early stage, and identify more targeted treatments.” Researchers at Women’s College…
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Ending the endometriosis diagnosis delay
August 30, 2023Around one million Canadians have endometriosis, “a condition in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, grow outside the uterus,” per the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation. The condition can cause moderate to severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic fatigue, and infertility. As a result, those with endometriosis can often have “a reduced quality of life with mental health issues and difficulties in personal relationships,” according to one study. Endometriosis patients have also been found by researchers to suffer from “high levels of stress and detriments in mental health” that can affect their work, study and relationships. Treating endometriosis is a matter of improving symptoms and ensuring patients’ lives are not burdened, rather than curing disease outright. In Canada, however, endometriosis patients face an average diagnostic time of 5.4 years, including “a 3-year delay from onset of symptoms to physician consultation and a 2-year delay between physician consultation and diagnosis.” The delay has been attributed to a lack of awareness about the condition. Thankfully, this delay has decreased on average in the last few years. One study on endometriosis in Canada attributes this downward trend to “improved public and physician disease awareness.” Another study associated this with…
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The research improving health literacy from coast to coast
July 31, 2023Health literacy has been defined by the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) as “the ability to access, understand, evaluate and communicate information as a way to promote, maintain and improve health in a variety of settings across the life-course.” Equipping Canadians with health literacy skills is of the utmost importance. There is a “strong link between low health literacy and a number of negative health outcomes,” according to a report from the CPHA. For example, chronic diseases — the leading causes of death in Canada — are often treated through self-management, “a process through which individuals actively cope with their chronic disease in the context of their daily lives.” Dealing with "medical management, role management and emotional management" requires a degree of proficiency, according to the CPHA report. Furthermore, research suggests that in locales with poor health literacy, health service costs are higher. In a 2009 analysis entitled A Vision for a Health Literate Canada, the CPHA determined that “an extra $8 billion a year spent on health care as a result of low health literacy.” Unfortunately, health literacy is not evenly distributed. Social, cultural, and geographic biases act as roadblocks to health literacy. Indeed, Indigenous peoples, older Canadians, along with…
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Nearly a quarter of Canadian women experience pelvic floor disorders. Why don’t we talk about them?
June 30, 2023“People think I’m being dramatic when in reality, my reaction is proportional to the pain I’m experiencing. At times I’m not able to even get out of bed.” This is just one respondent’s experience reported to a survey conducted by Alberta Women’s Health Foundation on pelvic floor dysfunction. The experience is widespread: pelvic floor conditions affect about a quarter of all women. As the respondent indicates, these disorders are often chalked up to being a normal part of life. Women are made to feel stigmatized by these conditions—discouraged from seeking care, which usually results in the worsening of the conditions. This is even more unfortunate knowing that 90% of incontinence cases in aging women can be improved with exercise, and 70% with physiotherapy. It is thus of the utmost importance that stigmas are erased. WHCC strives to do this by raising awareness about pelvic floor dysfunction and having honest conversations about signs, and symptoms, and treatment. Pioneering research in the field of pelvic floor dysfunction is being conducted at each of our WHCC-affiliated hospitals to ultimately help women living with pelvic floor issues and pain, and alleviate the shame society places on these kinds of health problems. We recently met with…
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Let’s Talk About Women’s Mental Health
May 30, 2023When it comes to mental health, disparities between men and women are stark—among the starkest, in fact, in all public health. The Women & Children’s Health Research Institute reports that “women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. Forty-seven per cent of women are considered at high risk of developing mental health disorders, compared to 36 per cent of men.” Similarly, Women's College Research Institute reports that “up to 20% of Canadian women will suffer from a mental illness related to a reproductive life stage such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum or menopause.” Women may pass through each of these stages in their life, with each posing their own unique risk. Research conducted by Oxford University Professor Daniel Freeman indicates that this difference can be attributed to “a complex mixture of factors contributing to the differences between the genders – related not only to physiological or biological factors, but society, too.” To combat this higher incidence, robust research is needed to anticipate, prevent, and treat psychological disorders. However, this research is currently lacking. Today, 22 per cent of Canadians find their needs for mental health services are only partially met, with 21 per cent finding their needs fully unmet. Several barriers exist to…
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Bringing Menopause Out of the Shadows
April 28, 2023Women’s Health Collective Canada is working to bring menopause out of the shadows by championing women’s focused medical research. We want to equip women and their health care providers with accurate information about their health and encourage open conversations. Menopause is a natural and expected stage of life, but it has been shrouded in silence due to cultural taboos about women’s pelvic health. In turn, menstrual health research has suffered. According to the BC Women’s Health Foundation: “istorically, women were largely excluded from medical trials. Failure to consider sex and gender in health research, by relying on men’s health as a proxy, effectively leaves women’s health to chance.” This silence extends to patients themselves. A study from the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation found that menopause reticence has far-reaching consequences. Unsure what to expect from menopause, or what falls within a healthy range of symptoms, women can sometimes suffer in silence. Pain is widely accepted as a “normal” part of female existence when it can often be treated. With the line between normal and concerning obscured, early detection of cancer becomes more difficult, negatively affecting prognoses. Our amazing researchers are working to counter this by enlightening the medical field on the complexities and considerations associated…
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Women’s Health Research Month Calls for Better, Fairer Data
March 31, 2023Effectively addressing patients' health concerns first requires identifying them. Comprehensive data collection is meant to inform care providers and patients about areas of concern, but health research has historically excluded women—especially elderly women and women of colour. In funding and in research, various health issues have been brushed aside through an approach which does not recognize social and biological difference. As a result, many legitimate health concerns from women have been overlooked, leaving patients and researchers in the dark. Working with our members across the country, Women's Health Collective Canada aims to correct this under-representation by leading a call for research and greater awareness around the important work correcting these biases. Now officially Women’s Health Research Month, March is the perfect time to highlight some of the incredible work laying the foundations for more equitable research and better care for all women. Dr. Lauren Beaupre is a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. Her research centres on osteoporosis, which affects approximately 250,000 Albertans, with women accounting for approximately 70-75 per cent of hip fracture patients requiring emergency surgery. Dr. Beaupre's research seeks to address systematic care gaps and has been instrumental in improving the health, and in some cases saving the lives,…
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The Many Dimensions of Mental Health & Well Being
January 31, 2023Mental health is a critical part of overall health and is connected to so many other aspects of well being – from physical health and longevity, to relationships and intimacy. In order to provide the best care possible, it is necessary to consider the connection between physical and mental health and to support research that explores multiple dimensions of well being. Anyone can struggle with mental health and a growing body of research is shining light on the challenges faced by specific groups, including women. For example, women are significantly more likely than men to experience certain mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, eating and panic disorders, as well as loneliness and social isolation. Women are also more likely to face gender-based discrimination, sexual violence, socio-economic inequity, and the mental health challenges associated with these realities. Pregnancy, motherhood and other aspects of women’s physiology can also have profound emotional and mental health implications. Here are just a few examples of researchers from across Canada whose outstanding work is addressing various aspects of women’s mental health and well being. The research of Dr. Dawn Kingston, RN, PhD, focuses on improving mental healthcare and well being by developing and evaluating approaches for screening…
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Caring & Connecting this Winter
December 20, 2022With the onset of cold weather and the holidays around the corner, it’s a good moment to consider the importance of social connection for physical and mental health. Isolation and a lack of social connection can lead to feelings of loneliness which affect people’s mental and physical health. Elderly women report some of the highest rates of loneliness in Canada. Feelings of loneliness are associated with an increased risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease, depression and dementia. In response, researchers and care providers across Canada are working to advance our understanding of mature women’s health and the factors that affect it, including social connection. Their work is already helping women to live fuller and healthier lives. Below are just a few examples of that work. Dr. Paula Rochon, Founding Director of the Women's Age Lab at Women's College Hospital, and Professor of Medicine and Public Health, and Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Toronto, is working to re-envision the aging process at the population-level, particularly for older women who make up the majority of this group. Rochon's research explores social health challenges facing older adults, highlighting how women and men experience health and healthcare differently. READ MORE…
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The Need for Culturally Sensitive Health Care for All Women
November 17, 2022Women have unique health needs, but not all women’s needs are the same. Women of colour, Indigenous women, and newcomers to Canada all have different experiences, and may require different kinds of care. These differences include unequal rates of certain hereditary illnesses, differences in physical proximity to care services, racial and sexual discrimination in the healthcare system, social and cultural barriers that can discourage women from seeking care, and the costs associated with illness and recovery. Closing the gender-based health gap requires research on the issues that affect women from a range of backgrounds and experiences. Across the country, WHCC member foundations and teams of dedicated researchers are working to support high quality care for all women by advancing research, and by providing care in a way that is carefully informed and culturally sensitive. Below are a few examples of how WHCC members are providing high quality care that is sensitive to the different needs and experiences of women in Canada. The Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health at Women’s College Hospital is mobilizing and implementing recommendations specific to healthcare and education from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons, and the…
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Making Breast Health Better for All Women
October 20, 2022October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada. It’s the moment when we recognize the incredible progress that has been made in our understanding and treatment of breast cancer. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge that there is a lot more work to be done, and that not all women have benefited equally from these advances. Over the past three decades, deaths associated with breast cancer have declined significantly. Between 1988 and 2021, breast cancer-related mortality declined by 22 percent in women (and 37 percent in men). Research is driving progress. The work of doctors, scientists, clinicians and researchers across Canada, and around the world, is responsible for the fact that people with breast cancer are more likely to recover, live longer, and lead fuller lives than ever before. This is something to celebrate. However, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in Canada. At the same time, not all women have benefited equally from the progress made overall. Breast-cancer related mortality has not declined among Black women at the same rate as for others. In part this is because Black women are disproportionately affected by aggressive cancers, such…
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Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Research for All Women
September 29, 2022On September 4, the World Association for Sexual Health recognized World Sexual Health Day. That day, and throughout the month of September, people around the world acknowledge the importance of sexual health for all. Access to sexual and reproductive health services varies greatly among women in Canada. Women who are Black, Indigenous or of colour may experience additional barriers when it comes to receiving adequate care. Good news is that across the country, researchers associated with members of Women’s Health Collective Canada are working to advance our knowledge of women’s health through cutting edge research, and improving care by turning information into action. Here we are spotlighting a few of the many researchers working to advance women’s sexual and reproductive health in Canada, and the important work they are doing. Dr. Wendy Norman, MD, CCFP, FCFP, DTM&H, MHSc, is a Professor in the Department of Family Practice, and an Associate Member in the School of Population and Public Health, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. Dr. Norman founded and leads Canada’s Contraception and Abortion Research Team (CART). CART conducts research on health policy and services with the goal of enabling equitable…
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GNC Honours First Year of Partnership with Women’s Health Collective Canada with Donation on International Women’s Day 2022
March 8, 2022Company and consumers crowdsourced support for research and wellness across the provinces. PITTSBURGH (March 8, 2022) – When Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) was created in 2020 it centred on a core premise: to ensure Canadian healthcare is more inclusive and intentional about addressing the needs of women. This mindset resonated with GNC, whose mission is to motivate and support the desire to Live Well. GNC joined WHCC as a partner organization in May 2021 and immediately kicked off a campaign to address two pressing challenges: fundraising and research for women. And today, on International Women’s Day 2022, GNC is proudly donating more than $7,000 to WHCC to help the organization continue to advance its mission. “We’re deeply grateful to GNC for their generosity and commitment to moving the dial forward in women's health research,” said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO of Alberta Women's Health Foundation and Foundation Partner, WHCC. “Partners like GNC are also setting a strong example by amplifying the knowledge that, sadly, women's health research has long been far behind. It's through these partnerships that we will close the historic gaps that have existed in women's health research. Together, we're changing outcomes. We're changing the trajectory of…
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The Rebel Mama Hotline x WHCC
January 31, 2022WHCC has teamed up with The Rebel Mama Hotline, hosted by bestselling authors, O.G. mommy-group drop outs and The Rebel Mama founders, Nikita Stanley and Aleks Jassem, to present frank conversations on women's health topics that deserve some air time. Give the episodes a listen below! Season 2, Episode 1 | “What’s Up With Women’s Health?” What’s causing the gap in women’s healthcare? In S2, Ep1, we share misdiagnoses and missed diagnoses from our audience and discuss the root causes of why women don’t get the care they need. Buckle up ladies, the truth is a hard pill to swallow, but we must make our voices heard. Thank you to the amazing women who have contributed their stories. You are brave heroes for advocating for yourselves at a time when you really shouldn’t have had to. We respect and appreciate you so much. This episode was produced in partnership with the WHCC - Women's Health Collective Canada, a strategic alliance founded by three of the country's leading women's health and hospital foundations - BC Women's Health Foundation, Alberta Women's Health Foundation, and Women's College Hospital Foundation in Toronto. WHCC funds groundbreaking research and is leading a call for public support…
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Fish Spines & Baseballs: My Experience With “Cording”
January 15, 2022Shared by Tamara Bahry It was the third wave of Covid. I decided to take this time to reset, plunging into a super clean diet and a daily workout schedule. It was now or never, I told myself. No excuses. After a particularly challenging arm workout I decided to prepare an Epsom salt bath and give myself the “me time” Covid lockdowns suddenly afforded. I was achy, waiting to find relief in the steamy tub. The Epson salts were dissolving as I submerged my body into the water, trying to massage my overworked pectorals. Pressing on my left side, I gasped, touching what felt like a walnut under my breast tissue. My hands shook as I clamoured out of the water to call my GP. After describing it, I was told it was likely a fibroid or cyst. A mammogram was scheduled to be safe. In a surreal moment that seemed like a whirlwind and at the same time forever (because of Covid backups) the results came back — I was diagnosed with breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma. I couldn’t even remember the last time I was really sick. It was years ago, not months. My mind raced to the countless…
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The Rebel Mama x WHCC #WHYCARE
December 10, 2021This blog post originally appeared on The Rebel Mama and is reposted here with permission. Over the past several years, we’ve been privy to myriad stories from women in our community who did not receive the medical care they needed when they needed it most. Their stories of missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses are part of a phenomenon called the women’s healthcare gap: a term used to describe the disparity in care between female patients and their male counterparts. So what’s to blame for the healthcare gap? According to the Women’s Health Collective Canada (a strategic alliance founded by three of the country’s leading women’s health and hospital foundations – BC Women’s Health Foundation, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, and Women’s College Hospital Foundation), it’s caused by a lack of research and awareness of the health issues affecting women. “Without research, doctors are not equipped. Without research, women’s health experiences are not validated, and without research, women are unable to live their lives to the fullest, participate in our economy, and lead communities.” – Sharlene Rutherford President and Chief Executive Officer Alberta Women’s Health Foundation The WHCC has set out to increase awareness and research and we’re helping to amplify their call for public support.…
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WHCC Launches #WhyCare Fundraising Campaign to Raise Awareness of Health Inequities in Canada
November 30, 2021(Toronto, ON. November 30, 2021) Today Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) launches #WhyCare, a campaign to raise funds and awareness for health issues affecting women. Due to a legacy of inequity in the healthcare process, women’s unique health needs continue to be misdiagnosed, misrepresented and misunderstood. Through initiatives such as #WhyCare WHCC is working to change this by funding groundbreaking research and leading a call for public support for more research and awareness of the health issues affecting women. The #WhyCare campaign will use omni-channel marketing (social media, traditional media, and owned content) to draw attention to the gender health gap in Canada, while calling on individuals and organizations to donate to WHCC. The campaign kicks off today with the #WhyCare Challenge, a social media initiative which asks Canadians to share images of the women that inspire them to care about women’s health, donate, and tag others to do the same. THE #WHYCARE CHALLENGE TIMING: November 30 (9 am) - Onward HOW IT WORKS: Post a photo of a woman who inspires you to care about women’s health using the hashtag #WhyCare. This could be a mother, sister, friend, colleague or community member who motivates you to care about women’s…
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Women’s Health Collective Canada Announces Collaboration With TD Bank Group Through TD Banks’ Funding Of The Obix Perinatal Interface System And Cervixcheck Programs
October 8, 2021TORONTO, EDMONTON, and VANCOUVER: Oct. 8, 2021 – Today, Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) has announced that TD Bank Group is collaborating with Alberta Women’s Health Foundation and BC Women’s Health Foundation over the next two years.
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“For All Those Years, No One Told Me Anything”
September 3, 2021Roop Bassra, 38, shares her story of living with endometriosis — and how a lack of access to resources led to a delayed diagnosis and treatment.
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CTV Calgary x WHCC: Women’s Health Care
August 26, 2021The Women’s Health Collective Canada is fighting for equality -- we talk to them about the importance of creating an inclusive future for women’s health care
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“I Am Astounded That I Survived”
August 19, 2021This article by Sadaf Ahsan originally appeared in Best Health Canada on August 19, 2021. The story behind a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed heart condition that's affecting Canadian women In the months leading up to the birth of her first child, Sudi Barre, a 36-year-old former social worker who lives in Edmonton, was told by her doctors that she was a “textbook ideal pregnancy”—healthy and fit, she was still working close to her due date and even hiking up until a week before. “I was feeling uncomfortable with how comfortable I was,” she recalls now with a small, knowing smile. But on a warm morning in August 2017, while recovering in hospital from an emergency Caesarean, Barre began to experience excruciating pain down her neck, between her shoulders and down her arm to her elbow. She couldn’t breathe, and she was worried she wouldn’t survive to hold her child. At first, she was told by a nurse to “walk it off.” But eventually, the attending physician ordered an electrocardiogram (ECG), which revealed Barre had experienced a heart attack. Doctors placed a stent in her heart, but things only grew worse as she then experienced what she estimates was at least…
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“The Uncertainty Was a Big Piece. And I Couldn’t Get Answers”
June 15, 2021After having a heart attack, Vincenza Spiteri DeBonis, 64, shares her experience of learning to take care of herself and how heart disease affects women differently than men.
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Women’s Health Collective Canada Is Addressing the Gap in Women’s Health
June 1, 2021This article by Christina Frangou originally appeared in the June/July 2021 print issue of Best Health magazine. Too often, women in Canada are dismissed, neglected or misdiagnosed by their health care providers. A new alliance wants to change that for good. A few years ago, Sharlene Rutherford, president and CEO of the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, watched her mom with worry. Her mother was struggling with pain, heart irregularities and anxiety—things that would come up out of the blue. During a doctor’s visit, her mother gave a rundown of what she was going through. “He looked at her, pointed to his head and said, ‘I think it’s all up here,’” Rutherford recalls. But the family knew he was wrong. They pushed for more testing. And blood tests showed her mom was suffering from metal poisoning. The clue had been in her medical records all along. The problem was in her hip, where a joint replacement device implanted more than a decade earlier was wearing down, releasing cobalt into her bloodstream. It’s a severe and well-known complication from a kind of metal-on-metal hip implant. “This took way longer than it should have ,” says Rutherford. Her mother underwent a hip replacement…
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We’re Not Doing A Good Enough Job: How Canada’s Health Gap Is Affecting Women
February 9, 2021This article by Christina Frangou originally appeared in Best Health Canada on February 9, 2021.
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Three of Canada’s Leading Women’s Health Foundations Launch the Women’s Health Collective Canada with National Survey
January 19, 2021Three of Canada’s leading women’s health foundations – BC Women’s Health Foundation, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, and Women’s College Hospital Foundation
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Cityline x WHCC: How Canada’s Healthcare System Is Leaving Women Behind
January 14, 2021This January, WHCC Founding Partner Jennifer Bernard, President and CEO of Women’s College Hospital Foundation, and Dr. Lori Brotto, Professor Obstetrics and Gynecology at UBC Faculty of Medicine, joined Cityline host Tracy Moore to discuss the need for a national effort to bridge the gender health gap, how WHCC came to be, and the effects of COVID-19 on women. Watch the full video below.
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