[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2038-E2039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN SUPPORT OF FAMILIES AFFECTED BY OVARIAN CANCER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for 
women and

[[Page E2039]]

families affected by ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is recognized as 
one of the nation's deadliest cancers. The five-year survival rate for 
ovarian cancer patients is 46 percent, while the ten-year survival rate 
is calculated to be as low as 39 percent. In 2009, it is estimated that 
more than 21,550 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,600 
will die of the disease.
  However, there is hope. If ovarian cancer is treated before it has 
spread outside the ovary, the five-year survival rate is an outstanding 
93 percent.
  Unfortunately, due to the lack of an effective early detection test, 
less than 20 percent of cases are found early enough to treat. Survival 
rates vary greatly depending on the stage of ovarian cancer at 
diagnosis. Women diagnosed at an early stage have a dramatically higher 
five-year survival rate than those diagnosed at a late stage. Since 
there are currently no effective screening tools for ovarian cancer, 
raising patient and health care provider awareness is crucial and the 
only way to help women recognize potential warning signs that can 
extend and improve their lives.
  To this end, I urge my colleagues and their staff to join me in 
recognizing September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This 
is an important time during which the ovarian cancer community will be 
helping to increase awareness of the disease and its symptoms, as well 
as support research to improve treatments and the development of a 
desperately needed screening test. September 4th is recognized as 
``Teal Day'', a day on which everyone is encouraged to wear teal to 
raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, much like pink is 
worn to do the same for breast cancer. Teal Day is an excellent 
opportunity to increase public knowledge about this disease.
  I commend the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and other groups like 
it for their unwavering commitment to make women aware of ovarian 
cancer symptoms and for their advocacy on behalf of women and families 
touched by this devastating disease. More must be done to identify 
ovarian cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.

                          ____________________