Third Annual EmpowerHER Event Connects, Educates, and Inspires Women to Prioritize Their Health

It is a truth universally acknowledged that early cancer screening saves lives. 

Yet Black women in Canada are still more likely to face breast cancer at a younger age and with more aggressive disease, making trusted support, culturally-responsive outreach, and community connection critical to improving outcomes. 

That’s why the Central East Regional Cancer Program and Lakeridge Health collaborated with community partners recently for the third annual EmpowerHER cancer screening and health education day. It’s an event designed to create culturally safe spaces for conversation and raise awareness about the importance of early cancer screening and prevention, focused African-Caribbean-Black women. 

“We’re stronger together,” said Shireen Spencer, Patient and Family Experience Advisor, Ambassador, The Olive Branch of Hope. “The Central East Regional Cancer Program and our support organizations are reaching communities that are not always heard or represented, ensuring people see themselves reflected and know: this is for us, with us, together.”  

For Shireen, the message is deeply personal. Nine years ago, during a self-breast exam, she felt something out of the ordinary. She immediately called her doctor and a mammogram confirmed that she had breast cancer.  

“When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, there was a lot of uncertainty and a lot I did not know.” 

What followed was a whirlwind of appointments, specialists and treatments, including chemotherapy. 

Now cancer-free, Shireen reflects on what she wishes she had known at the very beginning of her journey, and why she is now committed to helping other women feel less alone. 

“I would tell myself to breathe and get connected with support as soon as you can, because when you have people who know what they’re doing, they can walk you through it and tell you, ‘This is normal.’” 

Today, she is using her voice to encourage women in the Black community to get screened early, ask questions and seek support, helping ensure more people feel informed, connected and empowered throughout their healthcare journey. 

For many of the attendees, EmpowerHER was more than an education event. It was an opportunity to take action.  

Participants were able to book cancer screening tests, including mammograms and HPV (Pap) tests, while also receiving screenings for sickle cell disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney function. 

“I’m just doing some of the tests, like the mammogram, for the very first time,” said Rosemary Obi, Bowmanville resident. “This event has enlightened me.” 

“For me, I want to live in good health,” said Ada Nwachukwu, Ajax resident. “When you see events like this, you take the opportunity to check and screen yourself. I’m looking to have a mammogram this afternoon.” 

The event also fostered a strong sense of connection and belonging among participants. 

“My heart is full after attending the event,” said Marsha Grey, Student Practicum Coordinator, Academic Affairs at Lakeridge Health. “There was something incredibly healing, affirming, and powerful about witnessing women of colour come together to prioritize themselves, especially their breast and reproductive health. Events like this one are really needed and they strengthen, heal and empower communities in meaningful ways. 

“Thank you for creating a space that nourished the spirit and reminded so many of us that we belong, we matter, and our stories and journeys deserve to be seen and honored. I had an amazing time connecting with new people and greatly appreciated all of the valuable information shared about breast and reproductive health. 

“I left the event inspired, informed, and grateful and I hope to be back next year.” 

The impact of EmpowerHER is already being recognized across the province.  

Earlier in 2026, the initiative received the Equity Award at the 2025 Cancer Quality Council of Ontario Quality and Innovation Awards, recognizing programs that are improving access to care and helping close health gaps for equity-deserving communities. 

For Shannon Bourke, Director, Central East Regional Cancer Program at Lakeridge Health, the recognition reflects the power of listening to communities and building meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for the partnership and collaboration that make EmpowerHER possible,” said Shannon. “Working alongside trusted partners has allowed us to create meaningful opportunities for education and cancer screening. We attempted to host a similar event on our own a few years ago and no one registered. That experience reinforced how essential these partnerships are. They are the reason we’re able to connect with people in a meaningful way, increase awareness about the importance of cancer screening, and empower individuals to take an active role in their health.” 

For Shireen, that impact is measured not only in the number of screenings booked or awards received, but in the women who now feel empowered to take the first step, ask questions and face their health journey with support around them. It’s the reason she continues to share her story today. 

“Being on the other side is why I do this work. A diagnosis is not the end of your story, and together we help women prepare, get checked and move forward with knowledge instead of fear. Knowledge is power and by supporting one another, we can ensure no one goes through the journey alone.” 

For more on the Central East Regional Cancer Program, visit CheckForCancer.ca.  

Lakeridge Health is grateful to EmpowerHER partners: Central East Regional Cancer Program., The Olive Branch of Hope, Durham CHC & Kliniki, TAIBU Community Health Centre, Durham Region Health Department – Health Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC), Lakeridge Health’s Regional Nephrology & Diabetes program, Woeletta Hair, Hearth Place, Durham Sickle Cell Wellness Services, Healing Ink Collective, Help a Girl Out, Nankind, and Durham Ontario Health Team.  

--- 

Wilkinson, A. N., Lofters, A., Rushton, M., Seely, J. M., & Ng, C. (2025). Breast Cancer Characteristics and Outcomes in Canadian Black Women by Ancestry. Current Oncology, 32(11), 616. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32110616