How insurance professionals’ WICC donations promote early prostate cancer detection

Canada’s property and casualty insurance industry professionals learned how their $25,000 in donations to the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade on Nov. 6 will be used to further the goal of early detection of prostate cancer.

It was all part of the WICC’s 28th annual Learning Breakfast, which saw more than 400 attendees raised $25,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. More than $12,000 of that was raised from the raffle alone that morning. 

Keynote speaker Dr. Stuart Edmonds, executive vice president at Canadian Cancer Society, discussed the importance of prostate cancer prevention and intervention, including through early detection and PSA screening. 

The decision to intervene in prostate cancer cases is based on several factors, including the stage of detection, he said. Since most prostate cancers grow slowly and may not spread outside of the prostate, he said many patients in early Stages 1 and 2 may be recommended for active surveillance. 

Active surveillance involves careful, doctor-led monitoring, and selective intervention for the progression of the disease. Benefits include allowing men to delay aggressive treatments and potential side-effects, especially for those with low, or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. 

“Depending on the stage of detection, there’s a monitoring process before anything like surgery or radiation is considered,” says Rebecca O’Brien, executive director for WICC Ontario. “I think that was interesting for our attendees to learn. Talking to people afterwards, my sense was that this was information that over 400 people would potentially be bringing home and sharing with the men in their lives. I thought that was really valuable.” 

Anthony Henry also joined the stage to speak about his experience as a prostate cancer survivor. Henry said he is one of several in his family diagnosed with prostate cancer, after his father passed away from the disease. His brother and uncle were also diagnosed.  

He talked about the cultural and racial disparities associated with prostate cancer, noting Black men specifically are disproportionately affected, possibly due to a combination of socioeconomic factors and genetic predispositions.

In fact, “Black men of African or Caribbean ancestry have almost double the risk of developing prostate cancer compared to non-Black men,” according to CCS. “They are also more likely to have prostate tumours that grow and spread quickly. Black men are also more likely to die from prostate cancer compared to other men.” 

Henry talked about the importance of prostate cancer testing as a response to this disparity. 

“When survivors share their stories, there’s a feeling of community and belonging with those that are also going through the same challenges,” said O’Brien. “People that are on this journey can feel very alone, and I think it does add reassurance that there’s a community available to them and people that they can reach out to.” 

WICC Learning Breakfast highlights 

Marilyn Horrick will be stepping away from her position as WICC Ontario co-chair, effective Jan 1, 2026, after more than two decades with WICC Ontario. Horrick is senior vice president of the Ontario market at Desjardins. She will now move into WICC’s immediate past co-chair role on the Ontario board. 

WICC honoured Horrick with the inaugural 2025 WICC Champion Award. WICC’s board also initiated funding for a WICC Champion Tribute in her honour, to which supporters can directly donate.  

Why innovative customer experience will define the future of personal auto insurance Image

Insights Paid Content

Why innovative customer experience will define the future of personal auto insurance

Technology is helping insurers reimagine how they support personal auto customers — and it starts the moment a collision is reported, say experts at Accident Support Services International.

By 

Sponsor Image

Amanda Martin will succeed Horrick as WICC Ontario co-chair. Martin is a director at Northbridge Insurance, and has served as WICC’s Relay for Life chair. She will serve alongside co-chair Garth Pepper, effective Jan. 1, 2026. 

This year’s event also recognized and celebrated Michael Butler and Laura Schick, who were awarded for their outstanding volunteerism and contributions to WICC. Butler retires from the WICC Ontario board after two decades and was presented with the inaugural WICC Distinguished Service award for his dedication to WICC. 

Laura Schick was awarded the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award. Laura has been a dedicated member of the WICC Gala and Golf Committees for over a decade.  

The WICC Ontario Learning Breakfast was supported by its diamond-level sponsors: Lloyd’s, and its platinum-level sponsors: Marsh Canada Limited, Jones DesLauriers, and JDIMI Consulting – part of Navacord. 

Alyssa DiSabatino

Alyssa Di Sabatino has been a reporter for Canadian Underwriter since 2021, covering industry trends, market developments, and emerging risks.