[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 154 (Friday, September 26, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S9636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S9636]]
                             OVARIAN CANCER

  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, ovarian cancer, the fifth most fatal 
cancer among women in the United States, is a serious and 
underrecognized threat to women's health.
  This year alone, there will be an estimated 21,650 new cases of 
ovarian cancer in the United States and it will cause more than 15,000 
deaths. In Delaware, there were 322 cases of ovarian cancer between 
1999 and 2003--the most recent data--and 211 deaths during that time.
  Unfortunately, there is no screening test currently available for the 
early detection of ovarian cancer despite the fact that it is highly 
treatable when detected early.
  Increased public awareness of this disease, its risk factors and its 
subtle symptoms can save the lives of women across Delaware. Moreover, 
women's doctors must learn to recognize the warning signs of ovarian 
cancer, which are often the only early indication of illness.
  Throughout this past September, the Delaware Chapter of the National 
Ovarian Cancer Coalition has promoted ovarian cancer awareness 
activities and encouraged every Delaware woman to become educated about 
the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer.
  More ovarian cancer research will help to develop reliable 
diagnostics, better therapies and prevention strategies, offering women 
in Delaware and throughout the United States an opportunity to win 
their battle against this tragic gynecologic cancer.
  It is time for all women and their doctors to become more aware of 
the warning signs of ovarian cancer and to become better educated about 
early treatment options, because lives depend on it.

                          ____________________