Early detection and tailored supports help employers address shifting health trends among women
Cancer rates among Canadian women under 50 are now nearly double those of men in the same age group, a trend that has widened since the early 2000s, according to Sun Life’s analysis of national cancer statistics and group benefits claims data.
The most pronounced increase is in breast cancer among women aged 20 to 29, which has risen by 45.5 percent over the past 30 years. This shift is reflected in disability claims, where women’s cancer-related claims form a greater share compared to men.
The rising incidence of cancer among younger women is accompanied by a surge in other chronic conditions.
Sun Life reports that women’s claims for diabetes drugs are growing 40 percent faster than men’s, and this trend is especially pronounced among women under 30, where drug claims for diabetes and high blood pressure now outpace those of young men.
Mental health remains a significant concern.
As per Sun Life’s claims data, 45 percent of women’s disability claims are for mental health disorders, compared to 33 percent for men.
Women are also more likely to report barriers to accessing mental health care, such as cost, transportation, and childcare, and face more challenges returning to work after disability leave.
Migraine is another area where gender disparities are clear.
According to Sun Life, women are three times more likely to experience migraines than men, with the highest rates of migraine medication claims among women aged 40–59.
Migraine-related absenteeism is significant, with 80 percent of people with migraine missing work days and 25 percent reporting disability due to migraine.
Reproductive health and menopause continue to shape women’s workplace experiences.
Endometriosis, for example, affects about 1 in 10 women in Canada and is associated with higher rates of sick leave.
Menopause symptoms can last six to eight years on average, and an estimated one in ten women will leave the workforce due to unmanaged symptoms.
Caregiving responsibilities also disproportionately affect women.
Sun Life and CARP report that women are 50 percent more likely to be caregivers, twice as likely to have complex caregiving roles, and almost twice as likely to say caregiving makes it very challenging to care for their own health.
Employers are positioned to address these trends through targeted supports.
As reported by Sun Life, group benefits plans can provide access to cancer drugs, mental health resources, migraine therapies, and chronic disease coaching.
Flexible work arrangements, virtual care, and education on reproductive health are additional strategies to support women’s health and workplace participation.
As the data indicate, gender-specific health trends are reshaping the landscape of workplace benefits and disability claims.
Early detection, comprehensive support, and proactive communication of available resources may help mitigate the impact of these trends on both employees and organizations.
