International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, is a day of celebration, reflection, advocacy and change.
In healthcare, this means addressing the unique challenges women face, from disparities in medical research and access to care to the systemic barriers that impact their well-being. Women’s health isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s a societal one, influencing families, communities, and the broader healthcare system.
In Canada, women face several key health challenges that impact their well-being and quality of life. Some common women’s health issues include:
- Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. In 2024, 30,500 Canadian women were diagnosed with breast cancer. This represents 25% of all new cancer cases in women in 2024. In addition, 15 Canadian women die from beast cancer everyday. These statistics are alarming, yet important, as they encourage women to receive regular breast cancer screenings – such as mammograms – which are essential for early detection of cancer, thereby improving survival rates.
- Mental Health & Depression: Women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety and depression. Additionally, many new mothers are impacted by postpartum depression and perinatal mental health issues. Overall, 7.5% of Canadian women reported depressive symptoms during the postpartum period. A postpartum study found that 13% of women had little to no support available to them during their pregnancy.
- Access to Health Care & Gender Bias in Medicine: Historically, research has been dominantly male-focused, leading to gaps in understanding women’s health. Access to reproductive and maternal care is uneven across Canada, with rural, Indigenous and marginalized women facing significant barriers to prenatal care, contraception and abortion services. Additionally, women often experience longer wait times for diagnoses and treatment
Partner Highlights:
Many Ontario Health Team (CW OHT) partner organizations offer supports for women including breast imaging, pre and post-natal care, and overall health and wellness:
Punjabi Community Health Services
The Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) offers the Sahara Health Promotion and Prevention Program (SHPP), a locally driven population health model funded by Ontario Health.
One of the programs at SHPP is the preventative care program that focuses on breast cancer screening and education, learning about signs and symptoms of breast cancer, understanding risk factors, information on where to get screened and how to perform a self-examination.
To learn more, please click here.
William Osler Health System
William Osler’s Women’s Services are designed to provide excellent, collaborative and compassionate care to meet the diverse needs of the CW OHT communities. Services offered include: breast diagnostic assessment program, giving birth at Osler, postpartum care, women’s outpatient services, respiratory syncytial virus, and online pre-natal and post-natal classes.
To learn more, please click here.
Breast Diagnostic Assessment Program
The Breast Diagnostic Assessment Program (DAP) at Osler rapidly diagnoses breast conditions and supports patients. A dedicated Osler health care tam works with primary care physicians to manage and coordinate care. The DAP consists of rapid diagnostic phase, and the breast support clinic.
Osler’s Ontario Breast Screening Program is a top performer in Ontario. A dedicated nurse navigator will arrange rapid consultation and treatment if a biopsy is indicated. They will also provide education and guide patients through care transitions, while keeping the primary care physician informs of the patient’s progress.
To learn more, please click here.
Online Prenatal and Postnatal Classes
Osler has partnered with Markham pre-natal, a leader in prenatal education, to deliver a series of prenatal classes to support expectant partners and their support person. All prenatal classes are offered in a virtual format, at no cost.
The goal of the prenatal classes are to provide accurate, current and unbiased information that will provide parents and their families an opportunity to learn and prepare for birth and the care of their newborn. All classes are live and interactive, and facilitated by registered nurses in maternal and newborn care.
To learn more, please click here.
Women’s Outpatient Services
Osler offers specialized services for women through dedicated outpatient clinics which address prenatal, obstetrical and gynaecological health.
The following clinics are offered at Osler: Maternal care, early pregnancy, fetal heart, mother baby, colposcopy and rapid access gynaecology.
To learn more, please click here.
Woodbine Family Health Team
The Woodbine Family Health Team hosts the Maternal Child Program, which includes services available for mothers, mothers-to-be, fathers, babies, toddlers, and youth up to 18 years old.
The Maternal Child Program includes multiple educational materials, preventative health programs, group programs, and individual sessions. Group programs include Post-Partum Depression & Me, Feeding a Health Baby Workshop, and Fight the Fright – Anxiety Workshop for children seven to 12 years old. The Woodbine Health Team also collaborates with other nearby programs that provide services to mothers and children.
To learn more, please click here.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognize that advancing women’s health is a crucial step towards achieving true gender quality. By addressing healthcare disparities, investing in research that reflects women’s unique needs, and ensuring equal access to care, we can create a healthier future for all.
Today, let’s commit to advocating for women’s health, not just on March 8, but every day of the year.
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