There is a well-documented gap in the health outcomes of Black women, driven largely by a lack of targeted research. However the combination of limited data from Canada, robust data from the United States, and the United Kingdom reveal significant risks to the health of Black women.

For example, Canadian epidemiological studies show disparities in breast cancer outcomes among racialized women, including Black, Indigenous, Asian, and Hispanic populations. Although White women have a higher incidence of breast cancer, racialized women are diagnosed younger, with more aggressive subtypes and later-stage disease, contributing to higher mortality rates.

In addition, Black women are nearly twice as likely as their White counterparts to experience infertility, but are half as likely to receive medical assistance. Fertility treatments remain largely inaccessible, further compounding inequities. Black women are also more prone to conditions like metabolic syndrome, endometriosis, and fibroids—all of which can impact fertility and overall health. Fibroids, in particular, affect Black women at three times the rate of White women, leading to higher incidences of miscarriage and infertility.



In Ontario, around 40% of women and girls suffer from iron deficiency, with marginalized groups, including Black women, disproportionately affected due to heavy menstrual bleeding often caused by fibroids.

The BPAO has hosted CPD events for over a decade. In response to the growing demand from our community for culturally competent care, we are proud to present our first CPD event dedicated to Black Women's Health. Our goal is to bring together physicians and allied health professionals to learn, share, and expand their knowledge of health topics that disproportionately affect Black and racialized women—while fostering a supportive and engaging environment.



The BPAO Women's Health Conference aligns with our mission to promote health equity for Black women by educating all healthcare providers about the critical health concerns affecting these communities.

Continuing Professional Development, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto has awarded the 2024 Black Physicians' Association of Ontario Women's Health CPD: Caring for Every Woman – Addressing Disparities in Care with the following credits:

• College of Family Physicians of Canada Mainpro+® - Group Learning (One-credit-per-hour)

This one-credit-per-hour Group Learning program meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been certified by Continuing Professional Development, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto for up to 5.0 Mainpro+® credits.

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – Section 1

This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and approved by Continuing Professional Development, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. You may claim up to a maximum of 5.0 hours (credits are automatically calculated).