Ep. 141: Spotlight on Women’s Health
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Women’s wellness is under-discussed, under-researched and under-considered by the Canadian healthcare system—and Breast Cancer Awareness month provides a great opportunity to explore two key aspects of women’s health: Breast cancer and menopause. What are the implications of 422,000 missed mammograms in Ontario during the pandemic? Canadian women are likely to live a third of their adult lives in menopause, so why do we know so little about how to cope with its symptoms? What do you need to know about cancer screenings and your health, and where can you access important resources? Bronwen Evans, (above, left) Medcan’s chief growth officer, explores these topics and more with Dr. Vivien Brown, (above, right) MD, an accomplished speaker and author who specializes in women’s health and healthy aging.
LINKS
Approximately 422,000 fewer mammograms than forecasted were performed during the pandemic, according to the Ontario Medical Association. From the release: “One in eight Canadian women can expect to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Finding cancer early means it's less likely that the cancer has spread and treatment can start sooner.” And: “When breast cancer is diagnosed at stage 0 or 1, the five-year survival is 98 per cent. When diagnosed at stage 4, meaning it has already spread to the other parts of the body, the five-year survival is only 22 to 39 per cent.”
A great first step toward gaining a handle on a woman’s overall health is Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment. Contact a dedicated Customer Service Specialist at 416.350.3621 or by emailing bookingteam@medcan.com.
Medcan Genetic Screening can provide insights for women on the risk of developing breast and other cancers. Learn more.
Learn more about Dr. Brown’s experience and passion for women’s health issues, preventive healthcare and healthy aging here.
Check out her book, The New Woman’s Guide to Healthy Aging, or follow her on Twitter for regular tips and tricks to optimize your wellness.
Visit the Women’s Brain Health Initiative, where Dr. Brown is medical advisor.
Learn more about or join the Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program here.
For resources, advice, and all the facts on menopause, visit MenopauseandU.ca, the website created by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
A 2018 study in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society estimates the median age at natural menopause to be at 51 years and looks at factors related to entering menopause earlier.
INSIGHTS
Why is there less research on women’s health than men’s health? [2:41]
What should women know about the way their COVID vaccines might affect their mammogram? [3:56]
Dr. Brown recently did an Annual Health Assessment at Medcan. Here’s what she thinks about it and how it’s helpful for women. [5:39]
According to Dr. Brown, do all women need to take the same tests or screenings? [7:01]
What is menopause, and how is it different from perimenopause? [10:28]
During the pandemic, 422,00 fewer women had mammograms than expected in Ontario. What are the long-term implications of missing a mammogram, and are there any ways to ensure that never happens? [12:41]
What are the symptoms of menopause, and are they treatable? [15:11]
Why does Dr. Brown think it’s important for Medcan to have its own separate Women’s Health Program? [23:05]
If you’re looking for support about a women’s health issue, here’s what Dr. Brown suggests. [30:14]
Why is immunization important when it comes to women’s health? [31:48]
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.