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[Page S5077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 242--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL
OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Cardin, Ms.
Collins, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Tester, Mrs.
Murray, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Lieberman, Mrs.
Hutchison, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Brown of
Ohio, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Brown of Massachusetts, Mr. Blumenthal, and Mr.
Schumer) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and
agreed to:
S. Res. 242
Whereas ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic
cancers;
Whereas ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer
deaths among women in the United States;
Whereas almost 21,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian
cancer in 2011, and 15,000 will die from the disease;
Whereas these deaths are those of our mothers, sisters,
daughters, family members, and community leaders;
Whereas the mortality rate for ovarian cancer has not
significantly decreased since the ``War on Cancer'' was
declared 40 years ago;
Whereas all women are at risk for ovarian cancer, and 90
percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not have a
family history that puts them at a higher risk;
Whereas some women, such as those with a family history of
breast or ovarian cancer, are at a higher risk for the
disease;
Whereas the pap test is sensitive and specific to the early
detection of cervical cancer, but not ovarian cancer;
Whereas there is currently no reliable early detection test
for ovarian cancer;
Whereas many people are unaware that the symptoms of
ovarian cancer often include bloating, pelvic or abdominal
pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, urinary
symptoms, and several other symptoms that are easily confused
with other diseases;
Whereas in June 2007, the first national consensus
statement on ovarian cancer symptoms was developed to provide
consistency in describing symptoms to make it easier for
women to learn and remember the symptoms;
Whereas there are known methods to reduce the risk of
ovarian cancer, including prophylactic surgery, oral
contraceptives, and breast-feeding;
Whereas, due to the lack of a reliable early detection
test, 75 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are detected at
an advanced stage, making the overall 5-year survival rate
only 45 percent;
Whereas there are factors that are known to reduce the risk
for ovarian cancer and that play an important role in the
prevention of the disease;
Whereas awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer by
women and health care providers can lead to a quicker
diagnosis;
Whereas, each year during the month of September, the
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and its partner members hold
a number of events to increase public awareness of ovarian
cancer; and
Whereas September 2011 should be designated as ``National
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month'' to increase public awareness
of ovarian cancer: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate supports the goals and ideals of
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
____________________
