[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 808 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 808

 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness 
                                 Month.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 29, 2004

   Mr. Israel (for himself and Ms. DeLauro) submitted the following 
  resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness 
                                 Month.

Whereas ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological cancers, and the 
        reported incidence of ovarian cancer is increasing over time;
Whereas ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women 
        in the United States;
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 higher risk;
Whereas the Pap smear is sensitive and specific to the early detection of 
        cervical cancer, but not to ovarian cancer;
Whereas there is currently no reliable and easy-to-administer screening test 
        used for the early detection of ovarian cancer;
Whereas many people are unaware that the symptoms of ovarian cancer can often 
        include persistent abdominal pressure, bloating, abnormal bleeding, and 
        unexplained weight loss or gain, among several other symptoms that are 
        easily confused with other diseases;
Whereas 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;
Whereas 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;
Whereas there are factors that are known to reduce the risk for ovarian cancer 
        and play an important role in the prevention of the disease;
Whereas awareness and early recognition of ovarian cancer symptoms are currently 
        the best way to save women's lives;
Whereas the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, during the month of September, 
        holds a number of events to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer; 
        and
Whereas a National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month should be designated to 
        increase the awareness of the public regarding the cancer: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the goals and 
ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
                                 <all>