Ovarian Cancer Awareness Resolution Approved by Senate - Women's Congressional Policy Institute

On September 7, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, a resolution (S. Res. 311) supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Sponsored by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), the resolution contained a number of findings, including:

ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States;
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 higher risk;
there is currently no reliable and easy-to-administer screening test used for the early detection of ovarian cancer;
due to the lack of a reliable early screening test, 75 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are detected at an advanced stage, when the five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, a much lower rate than for many other cancers; and
if ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage before the cancer spreads outside of the ovary, the treatment is potentially less costly, and the survival rate is as high as 90 percent.
Speaking in support of her resolution, Sen. Stabenow said, “This year alone, ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 20,000 women, and approximately 15,000 more women will die of this disease. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is usually caught in an advanced stage, meaning there is only a 29 percent survival rate over five years. We must acknowledge these statistics and overcome the challenges of diagnosing this deadly disease…While there is no definitive screening test, recent studies have shown common symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and difficulty eating. However, we must take active steps to educate the community and medical providers of the newest discoveries in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. Mr. President, by recognizing September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we can show our support for ovarian cancer survivors and their families and join the fight to conquer this disease.”