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

  • Leslie Andrachuk
    • Women's health gap

    Summary

    This article breaks down a landmark McKinsey report revealing that systemic bias in Canadian healthcare costs the economy $37 billion annually. It explores the "default male" medical model that leads to missed heart attack signs and underdiagnosed chronic pain. By highlighting the "efficacy gap," the piece empowers female readers with actionable strategies to challenge medical dismissal, understand sex-specific symptoms, and reclaim seven additional days of healthy life every year.

    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:

    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.

    2. Know the “Female” Signs of Heart Disease

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

    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?”

    4. Prioritize Preventive Screening

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

    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).

    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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    The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. To read about our editorial review process click here.

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