Survey shows Canadian women want doctors to start more conversations on gynaecological health
Endometrial cancer is on track to become the second most diagnosed cancer among Canadian women within the next 15 years, as awareness of symptoms and risk factors remains alarmingly low.
A national survey conducted by Leger found that more than 80 percent of women aged 40 and older lack knowledge of the signs and risks associated with endometrial, or uterine, cancer.
In 2024 alone, 8,600 Canadian women were diagnosed and 1,600 died from the disease. Despite these figures, many respondents admitted uncertainty about the early warning signs of gynaecological cancers.
Nearly 60 percent said they did not know whether such cancers present symptoms in their early stages.
The survey covered ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, which together affect thousands of Canadian women annually.
While family history and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) were widely identified as risks, fewer respondents recognized age and obesity as significant contributors.
“Gynaecological cancers are often overlooked due to their subtle symptoms, which can be mistaken for less serious conditions. This delay in diagnosis may have devastating effects on patient outcomes,” said
Michelle Horn, country medical director, GSK Canada. She added that while often called silent, many of these cancers do show signs that must not be ignored.
Women also reported limited conversations with their physicians about gynaecological health.
Nearly half of those surveyed said they did not raise the topic at their most recent healthcare check-up or could not remember if they did.
Yet the survey showed trust in healthcare providers remains strong: 92 percent believe their doctors would address concerns appropriately, and 87 percent view them as knowledgeable about gynaecological topics.
Importantly, 85 percent said they want their physicians to initiate discussions on the subject.
The survey also revealed barriers that prevent timely care.
A lack of awareness of symptoms was cited by 69 percent of respondents, 61 percent admitted to dismissing potential warning signs, and 60 percent said symptoms are often confused with other conditions.
Although 62 percent rely on their healthcare providers for information, online searches remain nearly as common.
One in five women aged 60 and older said they have not sought out any information, and only 14 percent recalled encountering a disease awareness campaign in the past year.
“These findings confirm what we've heard from women for decades: female gynaecological cancers are overlooked and not well understood,” said Tania Vrionis, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada.
She noted that encouraging open conversations and providing accessible resources are key to improving early detection and outcomes.
The research also found that 73 percent of respondents said they would schedule a gynaecological check-up when presented with a list of common symptoms and risk factors.
Over 70 percent called for more publicly accessible information on gynaecological cancers, while 89 percent said they are comfortable discussing concerns with their healthcare providers.
Disease awareness campaigns were found to be influential, with women who recalled them reporting greater knowledge of symptoms and risks.
Cervical cancer campaigns were most often remembered, suggesting the need to broaden education efforts to other gynaecological cancers.
“There is work to do to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers in Canada,” said Alon Altman, Gynecologic Oncologist and professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Manitoba, and chief strategy officer and former president of The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada.
He said the survey highlights the reasons behind diagnostic delays and how these impact access to treatment and care.
