Reps. Israel & DeLauro Introduce Resolution Recognizing Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Press Release
Representatives Steve Israel (NY-2) Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3), an ovarian cancer survivor, introduced a House resolution to recognize September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths and continues to be one of the most deadly forms of cancer.
"As co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am proud to have worked with Congresswoman DeLauro and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance in expressing Congressional support for ovarian cancer awareness," noted Congressman Israel. "Until we have a screening test, awareness of this disease is the best defense we have in saving women's lives."
"As a twenty plus year survivor of this deadly disease, I know firsthand that early detection is one of the best forms of prevention," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Until a reliable early screening procedure is developed increased education and awareness of ovarian cancer is one of the few options available to women."
Currently, there is no reliable early screening test available to American women for ovarian cancer; 75 percent of cases are detected at an advanced stage when the five-year survival rate is below thirty percent, a much lower rate than for many other forms of cancer. However, if ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, the survival rate is as high as 90 percent. The first national consensus statement on ovarian cancer symptoms was developed in June 2007 to provide consistency in describing symptoms to make it easier for women to recognize them and report them to their doctors.
Both Israel and DeLauro were lead cosponsors of Johanna's Law: The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005, which passed the Congress and was signed into law in January 2007. The legislation seeks to increase awareness of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian.
Throughout September, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance hosted numerous events to increase awareness of ovarian cancer.
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