New Funding Aims to Improve Endometriosis Diagnosis in Canada

Toronto is taking significant steps to address the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, a condition affecting one in ten women. On September 18, 2025, the Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynecologic Excellence (CanSAGE) announced nearly $500,000 in funding from Health Canada aimed at educating primary-care providers and emergency room doctors about this often-misunderstood disease.

Katie Luciani, who has battled endometriosis since she was 11 years old, highlights the lengthy struggle many women face in obtaining a proper diagnosis. “I was in bed in the fetal position, cramping with a heating pad, throwing up all day long,” said Luciani, now 38. Despite her debilitating symptoms, her family doctor dismissed her pain as a normal part of menstruation. It was not until her mid-20s that a physician in Vancouver suggested the possibility of endometriosis.

According to CanSAGE, the average delay for diagnosing endometriosis in Canada is approximately five years. Dr. Jamie Kroft, president of CanSAGE and an obstetrician-gynecologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, explained that medical training often inadequately covers the condition. “When a general provider learns about endometriosis, they may have one one-hour lecture that touches on a small amount of endometriosis diagnosis and management,” she stated. This lack of knowledge can leave patients suffering from severe menstrual and pelvic pain without answers or treatment for years.

The recent funding will enable specialized training for healthcare providers, including ultrasound training, as endometriosis may not appear on standard ultrasound images. Surgical training for general gynecologists will also be included to ensure more effective treatment options. “If your family doctor doesn’t know about endometriosis, that’s sort of the first barrier that you come across,” Luciani noted, emphasizing the importance of informed medical professionals in facilitating patient care.

Endometriosis can invade various organs, including the bowel and bladder, leading to severe complications. In Luciani’s case, endometrial tissue was found in her bladder, appendix, and throughout her body, requiring multiple surgeries. She has since turned to medically induced menopause to manage her pain, illustrating the chronic nature of the disease.

Public awareness of endometriosis has seen a boost in recent years, partly due to high-profile figures sharing their experiences. Among them is Jamie Milne, a Toronto recipe developer. Like Luciani, Milne faced dismissive responses from doctors regarding her painful menstrual symptoms. After undergoing surgery for an ovarian cyst, she was diagnosed with endometriosis and received treatment from Dr. Kroft. “After the surgery, I was like, ‘I feel like a new person,’” Milne remarked, noting her successful pregnancy eight months later.

Milne has since used her platform on social media to raise awareness about endometriosis. “I posted just saying, you know, ‘endometriosis is more than just a painful period,’” she recalled. Her messages resonated with many, prompting conversations about the condition and encouraging women to seek diagnosis and treatment. “So many women have approached me saying, ‘you helped me get my diagnosis,’” she stated.

As the medical community works to improve the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, the recent funding from Health Canada represents a crucial step in addressing a condition that has long affected countless women. With better education and awareness, the hope is that future patients will receive the care they need more promptly and effectively.