Continence in the Media | The Canadian Continence Foundation
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In the Media

Derick Fage

Nobody Wants to Talk About It...

In March of 2015, Derick Fage became our champion when he shared his inspiring story on our website.

Derick's the easy-going host and producer of Rogers Daytime. He emcees at countless charities and events throughout the year. He’s a husband, father, and now Derick is the Champion of The Canadian Continence Foundation (TCCF). For Fage it’s personal - click here to read the full article from Marketplace Magazine



Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Derek Griffiths

Canadian and past TCCF President Derek Griffiths, receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Continence Society Annual meeting. Watch the full interview below.


Report Calls for New, National Approach to Urinary Incontinence

The Canadian Continence Foundation (TCCF) today unveiled a new report that places a spotlight on urinary incontinence, a condition including Over Active Bladder (OAB) and Urgency Urinary Incontinence (UUI) that impacts more than 3.5 million Canadians. The report entitled Equity in access to pharmaceutical treatments for overactive bladder and urgency urinary incontinence in Canada looks at regional disparities in access to treatment, the economic and productivity impact of the condition, and the significant stigma still plaguing many patients.

Click here to read the press release

Click here to read the white paper


Crossing Borders, Breaking Boundaries

The Canadian Continence Foundation’s Ambassador Derick Fage does it again, inspiring the audience with his story!

Click here to watch this video on Breakfast Television Montreal

World Continence Week 2020

November 16th - 22nd, 2020


World Continence Week 2020

New video series launching World Continence Week 2020



The Current State of Continence in Canada


This study aims to describe the current prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary incontinence (UI) in Canada.

To assess the state of knowledge of these conditions, the treatment for them and the treatment experience of symptomatic persons.

Click here for the full study.


Share Your Invaluable Insights into Fecal Incontinence

Cochrane Incontinence, in collaboration with researchers at NIHRIO Innovation Observatory and Newcastle University, are currently running a priority setting project to help identify areas for future Cochrane Incontinence research on the topic of faecal incontinence. We are reaching out to you to ask if any of your members would be interested in sharing their invaluable insights into this topic.

As part of the exercise, we are inviting people over the age of 18 with experience of faecal incontinence: those living with faecal incontinence or carers, health care professionals, and health care policy makers to share their ideas for future priority research in the area. The first step is  a survey that anyone can contribute to. We would be incredibly grateful if you could share this with your community/service users. The survey closes on 7th September 2020 and we would love to hear your thoughts!


The Men's Room - Frequently Asked Questions

We have an update on male urinary incontinence, check it out here.


Resource for Patients: CSPM Telemedicine Providers

The coronavirus pandemic has been a challenge for all of us, including patients who are now left wondering if or when it will be safe to resume scheduling face-to-face appointments. The pandemic has resulted in an increase in the use of telemedicine, and to that end, we are sharing the list of CSPM members who are conducting virtual appointments with patients via telemedicine.

If you are CSPM member and interested in being included on this list, please email your information to info@canadiansocietyforpelvicmedicine.org.

Click here for the Resource for Patients CSPM Telemedicine Providers


Information Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

We at the Canadian Continence Foundation know that many of you may be self-isolating due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will have concerns on several levels. Here is some advice on how to deal with some of these concerns:

Incontinence supplies: many pharmacies across the country deliver, (check with your local pharmacy). There are as well online distributors servicing the country, an online search of, “incontinence supply online distributors”, will bring up a good selection.

Symptoms and information: Government of Canada novel coronavirus information line: 1-833-784-4397 and www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Contact Public Health Authorities across the country if you have symptoms:

Boredom/loneliness: you might try video conferencing with friends and family, examples of these platforms are Skype, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, WhatsApp, and are free to use with an internet connection, (check you are not using data if you have limited access to it).

Use “Watch Together”, this platform supports synchronised watching of YouTube videos and real-time chat. Form more information visit Watch Together

Go for a walk, (if it is still sanctioned by the government and you are not in quarantine), but remember to keep a distance from others.

Download an E-book or Audio book from your local library for free.

Overall follow the governments directives, stay safe and healthy and most importantly wash your hands frequently and do not touch your face.

We can be reached by email: help@canadiancontinence.ca or toll-free: 1-800-265-9575.


World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems anonymous questionnaire

The World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems, (WFIPP), will be launching an international website on incontinence and pelvic problems during World Continence Week 2020. They are asking patients worldwide to fill in an anonymous questionnaire, to better understand their needs and what is needed on the new website.

Please fill in the questionnaire in your language of choice at the link below by March 16th 2020. Thank-you.
English:
https://www.research.net/r/IncontinenceQuestionnaire?lang=en
Español: https://www.research.net/r/IncontinenceQuestionnaire?lang=es
Deutsch: https://www.research.net/r/IncontinenceQuestionnaire?lang=de
Français: https://www.research.net/r/IncontinenceQuestionnaire?lang=fr
Italiano: https://www.research.net/r/IncontinenceQuestionnaire?lang=it
Nederlands: https://www.research.net/r/IncontinenceQuestionnaire?lang=nl
Polski: https://www.research.net/r/IncontinenceQuestionnaire?lang=pl


Urethral Inserts

New Fact Sheet Urethral Inserts for Men With Urinary Incontinence

Urethral inserts are temporarily inserted into the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) to prevent or reduce bladder leakage. Inserts are removed prior to urination, reinserted after voiding, generally re-usable, and are made of soft medical-grade plastic which causes little discomfort.

Click here to learn more about urethral inserts


French Overactive Bladder Awareness Article Launches on Fr.Chatelaine.com

This week we launched a French awareness article and video on Fr.Chatelaine.com that brings awareness to the common condition, overactive bladder (OAB), and offers practical expert advice on how to effectively manage this condition.

We’re pleased to share this with you via the link below:
Managing overactive bladder


New Clinical Trials Section

We have added a page with frequently asked questions and details on how to find clinical trials for incontinence (and other medical conditions)

Click here for more information and links to clinical trial resources


We are Seeking 3 New Board Members
Effective January 2020

The Canadian Continence Foundation is currently receiving applications for 3 vacant Board positions, effective January 2020.

We are seeking individuals with a knowledge of incontinence from either a personal or professional perspective, the deadline for applications is December 25th 2019, midnight EST.

Please send a letter of intent and a CV to Jacqueline Cahill, (CEO): jcahill at canadiancontinence dot ca

Click here to view or print the official description for this position

(This notice is sent out in English only, as fluency in English is required).


The Canadian Continence Foundation presented at the World Health Organization's GReAT Consultation

The Canadian Continence Foundation was invited to present and attend the World Health Organization’s, (WHO) Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT) Consultation, August 22 – 23, it was a great honour to be chosen as the only participant representing incontinence. This consultation is a follow-on of the 2017 creation on the WHO’s Priority Assistive Products List, (APL), the foundation was instrumental in having absorbent products included on this list of 50 products. The APL is a list of devices, that the WHO deems each country should supply at no cost to its citizens. The paper our presentation was based on: Improving access to incontinence AT in developing and resource constrained countries.

Click here to download and read a PDF copy of the original paper


Are you an older adult (age 65+) experiencing urinary incontinence?

University of Alberta LogoUrinary incontinence (UI) is a prominent, often overlooked, condition among older adults. If you are age 65+ and experiencing UI, we would like to invite you to complete the following survey:

Click here for the survey

This will help Dr. Adrian Wagg and his research team at the University of Alberta to develop a list of priorities for future education and outreach for those with UI based on your personal concerns and experience. This survey will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions, please contact Marina Kirillovich or Saima Rajabali at kirillov@ualberta.ca or 780-492-6855


Photo of Jacky Cahill, Derick Fage and Stephanie Desrosiers

World Continence Awareness Week on Breakfast Television Montreal

Derick Fage, host of Breakfast Television Montreal and Ambassador of The Canadian Continence Foundation discusses continence awareness and treatment with Executive Director Jacqueline Cahill and Nurse Stephanie Des Rosiers

#WCW2019 #Incontinencematters


New Repository of Caregiver Resources Available Now!

In the spirit of World Continence Week (WCW) 2019 we are engaging in several initiatives. We are excited to announce the creation of a new "Caregiver Resource" section that provides valuable information and links for caregivers in every province along with the OAB test provided by one of our partners.

#WCW2019 #Incontinencematters


Let's all participate!
World Continence Awareness Week
June 17th - 23rd, 2019

World Continence Week 2019

World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual initiative devised and managed by WFIP, with the approval of the International Continence Society. It is a global initiative intended to raise awareness of bladder weakness, pelvic pain and other debilitating conditions which impact greatly on the lives of patients and carers.

Download the promotional toolkit and help spread awareness!

#WCW2019 #Incontinencematters


Stigma to Spotlight:
A need for patient-centred incontinence care

Key actors in continence care

Incontinence is a chronic disability that carries an enormous stigma. Incontinence negatively affects many parts of a person’s life: ability to work, travel, and play sports; social interactions; sex life; and participation in community life.

This new article by D. Wayne Taylor, PhD, FCIM and Jacqueline J. Cahill, BSW, explores how the stigma can be tackled at different levels.

Click here to download the
original article Stigma to Spotlight


Derick Fage Speaks at the Global Forum on Incontinence

Derick Fage at the Global Forum on Incontinence in Rome in April of 2018

"I was invited to speak at the Global Forum on Incontinence in Rome in April of 2018. I was extremely emotional for this speech. I am extremely grateful for the invitation and for the amazing connections I made in Rome. If you know somebody that is suffering from mental health issues, make sure you reach out to them and let them know they are loved and have your support. It can save a life... it saved mine."

TCCF Ambassador and Board Member, Derick Fage.

Click here to watch the full video


Education and Training of Family Carers and PSWs are the Key to Overcoming the Stigma of Fecal Incontinence

Partners in World Continence Week - June 18-24

Recent Research Study conducted by The Cameron Institute and the Canadian Continence Foundation, supported by Essity Hygiene and Health AB (Canada) supports on-going education and training of both paid and volunteer fecal incontinence (FI) caregivers.

Click Here to Download Details on this Research Study


#WCW18 World Continence Week June 18-24 2018, Toolkit for Download

the source guide

WCW 2018 materials made possible through an unrestricted grant from Atlantic Therapeutics, enabling millions of people to restore their pelvic floor, and thereby restore their control, confidence and active lifestyle.

Click Here to Download the WCW 2018 Toolkit


Just in time for World Continence Week, the 2018 update to The Source is now available for all devices!

the source guide

Within The Source, you’ll learn everything you need to know about incontinence: the signs and symptoms of each type of incontinence; how it’s diagnosed; and, most important, how to make it better. We’ve included checklists and charts that you can fill out before you meet with your doctor, to help him or her understand your symptoms and zero in on a plan of action.

Click here to get a PDF copy of 'The Source'.

Click here to get a MOBI copy of 'The Source'.
MOBI files are optimized for e-readers and tablets.


From school dropout to successful TV host

TV host and ambassador of the Canadian Continence Foundation, Derick Fage, has lived with incontinence his entire life. He humorously refers to himself as ‘the face of faeces’. In what is an inspirational tale of overcoming adversity, he shares his personal story with us.

bridge cover april 2018

Click here to read full article.

(This content is currently only available in English)


TENA - Live Life Fully with Derick Fage

TENA presents a new video with Canadian Continence Foundation ambassador and board member Derick Fage. Click below to read the article "How men can cope with urinary incontinence" and watch the video feature of Derick.

TENA - Live Life Fully with Derick Fage

Vaginal Cones for Stress Incontinence Fact Sheet

Vaginal Cones for Stress Incontinence Women with urinary stress incontinence experience involuntary leakage of a variable quantity of urine due to pressure on the bladder, for example, when coughing, sneezing, laughing or even jumping, dancing or walking.

Click here to read our new fact sheet on Vaginal Cones for Stress Incontinence.


Skin Care for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence Fact Sheet

Derick Fage on Youtube

Our skin performs many functions – it protects us from infection, insulates our body from heat and cold, regulates our body temperature, produces Vitamin D and provides sensation. Urine and fecal matter touching our skin may cause problems resulting in skin damage.

Click here to read our new fact sheet on Skin Care for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence.


Derick Fage Kicks Off World Continence Week #WCW17 with an Inspiring TEDx Talk

Derick Fage on Youtube

The Champion of the Canadian Continence Foundation, Derick Fage, recently gave an inspirational and impactfull talk at a locally organized TedX event in Laval, Quebec.

A self-proclaimed child at heart, Derick Fage is curious about everyone and everything, a quality that engages viewers daily. As a host of Breakfast Television Montreal on City, he thrives on conveying what’s happening in a fun and informative manner. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community work and contributions to charitable organizations.

After going public with his personal struggle of living with chronic fecal incontinence since birth, he accepted the role of ambassador and champion for the Canadian Continence Foundation in the hopes of helping others who are living with any number of challenges.

Click here to watch Derick's full inspirational talk at TEDXLaval


New Faces have Joined our Board of Directors!

We are pleased to announce and welcome our new board members, who were unanimously voted onto the Governing Board in December 2016.

I am very much looking forward to working with, Francis Davoine, Derick Fage, (our current Ambassador), Kathleen Hunter and Frances Roderick.

A sad goodbye to the board members who have been replaced, they served the board for many years and  it was a pleasure working with them: Tom Alloway, Frankie Bates, Claudia Brown and Harold Drutz.

Jacqueline Cahill
CEO: The Canadian Continence Foundation

Click here to meet our board of directors.


Impartial advice for continence product users & healthcare professionals.

All of our unbiased advice is written by continence healthcare professionals and based on research evidence. Find out more...


Update to the Priority Assistive Products List

On 21 and 22 March 2016, The World Health Organization hosted a meeting to finalize the 50 products to be included on the Priority Assistive Products List (APL).

Click here to read the Full Consensus Meeting Summary at the Canadian Continence Foundation's website. Details about continence products and a presentation made by The Canadian Continence Foundation's Executive Director can be found on pages 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 23 of the document.

The APL is being developed in order to improve access to high-quality, affordable assistive products for everyone, everywhere. Products are featured on the APL based on widespread need and the impact they have on a person’s life. Like the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML), the APL is not a restrictive list, but rather aims to give each Member State a model for the development of a national list. The APL will provide guidance for product development, production, service delivery, market shaping, procurement, and reimbursement policies (including insurance coverage). You can read more about the launch here.

A brochure about the Priority Assistive Products List is now available to download from the WHO website in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.

The consensus meeting was the fourth and final step of the APL development process. The meeting was held at WHO headquarters in Geneva in March 2016. The goal of the meeting was to finalize the APL, based on the outcome of the Delphi and Global Survey. Seventy participants attended. They represented every WHO region and included people working in service provision and at policy level; researchers; representatives from organizations for people with disabilities and older people; and users of assistive technology.

Click here to read the Full Consensus Meeting Summary at the Canadian Continence Foundation's website. Details about continence products and a presentation made by The Canadian Continence Foundation's Executive Director can be found on pages 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 23 of the document.


The inclusion of continence products within the Priority Assistive Products List (APL), has been attained!

The WHO held a consensus meeting in Geneva in March 2016 to finalize the list, with over 70 participants representing all sectors of assistive technology and all regions.

Jacqueline Cahill made a presentation about the need for continence products and after discussion, absorbent products have been included in the final Priority Assistive Products list.

The inclusion of absorbent products on the list will have a big impact on many people who use/need them. The APL will be launched on May 24th during 69th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

What is the significance? Inclusion on the APL is precedence setting and will begin the conversation with governments and policy makers on the reimbursement issue.

Click here for more information on the WHO Priority Assistive Products List


The How to Health Guide - 2016

The "How To" Health Guide was developed to assist patients, caregivers, friends and families in managing information about the Canadian health care system, which can often be challenging to navigate. The Guide provides basic information about how to speak to those working within the system on a range of issues, including how to:

  • Understand the health care system
  • Find the information and services you need
  • Review and Evaluate the information you find
  • Talk with your doctor or health care provider
  • Ask for a second opinion
  • Manage your condition
  • Pay for your medication
  • Participate in a clinical trial
  • Advocate and ask for the support you need

Read the full guide here: The How to Health Guide - 2016


Learn about bladder health
and the causes of incontinence

Incontinence means losing or leaking urine when you don't want to! As many as 3.3 million Canadians - nearly 10% of the population - experience some form of urinary incontinence. Unfortunately, very few people talk to their doctor about their bladder problems or bladder weakness symptoms. According to the Canadian Urinary Bladder Survey, 16% of men and 33% of women over the age of 40 have symptoms of urinary incontinence but only 26% have discussed with their doctor.

This website is full of useful information and tips on bladder health and control, and how to manage incontinence. You can learn about urinary incontinence, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of bladder problems. We also have sections dedicated to fecal incontinence, bowel control and men's prostate health. We can also help you find a health care professional in your area, who has expertise in treating incontinence.

You may have incontinence if you...

  • Have bedwetting accidents
  • Losing or leaking urine when you don't want to
  • Have to go urgently, or can't make it to the toilet in time
  • Leak urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze or lift something heavy
  • Rely on disposable pads, adult diapers or anything else to absorb urine
  • Find yourself limiting your activities because you're afraid of having an "accident"
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