The $37 Billion Blind Spot: Why Canada Needs to Close the Women’s Health Gap

In Canada, we pride ourselves on a world-class healthcare system. But a groundbreaking new report from the McKinsey Health Institute reveals a staggering reality: Canadian women spend 24% more time in poor health than men.

According to the study, this isn’t just a personal struggle for millions of women; it’s a massive national economic missed opportunity. According to the study, closing this “health gap” could inject $37 billion annually into the Canadian economy by 2040, the largest, most achievable economic opportunity for Canada in the coming decades. This estimated annual boost in GDP by 2040 is greater than the projected impact of using AI at scale in the Canadian healthcare system.

And if you think women’s health is just about periods and pregnancy, think again. Reproductive health actually accounts for only 5% of the female health burden. In reality, the ‘Big Three’—cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders—make up a staggering 75% of the health challenges Canadian women face.

For the average Health Insider reader, this report is a wake-up call that what we deem “normal” health struggles for women might actually be systemic failures, and that there are steps you can take to advocate for better care.

The “default male” problem

For decades, medical research has treated the male body as the “universal standard.” This has created an efficacy gap, where treatments and diagnostic tools are often less effective for women because they weren’t designed with female biology in mind.

Consider these startling findings from the study:

• Heart Health: 78% of early heart attack signs in women are missed. Why? Because women’s symptoms (like fatigue or nausea) often don’t match the “textbook” crushing chest pain typically seen in men. And with heart disease the #1 preventable cause of death among Canadian women, this is a significant opportunity.
• The Burden of “Invisible” Conditions: Conditions that primarily or disproportionately affect women such as migraines, depressive disorders, and PMS account for a significant portion of the health gap. These are often dismissed as “just part of being a woman,” yet they cost the economy $6 billion in lost productivity alone.
• The Care Delivery Gap: Even when treatments exist, women (especially those in rural areas or from marginalized communities) face longer wait times and more fragmented care.

What’s at stake?

If we close this gap, the study estimates that the average Canadian woman could gain seven more “healthy days” every year. That is a week of life free from debilitating pain, mental fog, or fatigue. On a national scale, it means more women participating in the workforce, higher productivity, and a more equitable healthcare system.

Actionable insights

While we wait for policy shifts and better research, here is how women can help take charge of their health today, based on the report’s findings:

1. Rewrite Your “Normal”

Many women live with chronic pain, heavy periods, or persistent fatigue, assuming it’s normal. The McKinsey report highlights that conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and migraines are severely under-diagnosed.

• Insight: If a symptom interferes with your daily life, it isn’t “normal.” Keep a detailed symptom diary and bring it to your doctor to demand a deeper look.

2. Know the “Female” Signs of Heart Disease

Since 78% of early signs are missed in women, you must be your own advocate.

• Insight: Be aware that heart attacks in women may feel like extreme shortness of breath, pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Don’t let a provider dismiss these as “anxiety.”

3. Demand Sex-Specific Data

When your doctor prescribes a new medication or treatment, ask: “Was this tested specifically on women, and are the side effects different for my sex?”

• Insight: Being an informed consumer forces the medical community to acknowledge that biology matters.

4. Prioritize Preventive Screening

The report notes that gaps in cancer screening (like breast and cervical) are a major driver of the health gap.

• Insight: Stay up to date on your province’s screening guidelines but also ask about your specific risk factors (genetics, ethnicity, breast density) which might require earlier, different or more frequent testing than the general “default” guidelines suggest.

5. Advocate for Workplace Wellness

If you are a leader or HR professional, recognize that $37 billion is lost largely because of “presenteeism” (being at work but unwell).

• Insight: Support policies that account for women’s health needs, such as flexible scheduling for chronic condition management or mental health support tailored to women’s unique stressors.

The “women’s health gap” isn’t a niche issue—it’s a $37 billion blind spot that affects every family and workplace in Canada. By acknowledging that women’s bodies require different approaches and more focused research, we don’t just help women; we build a wealthier, healthier Canada for everyone.

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