[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 537--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL 
                     OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Blumenthal, 
Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Brown of Massachusetts, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Ms. 
Cantwell, Mr. Cardin, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. 
Menendez, Mr. Merkley, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Moran, Mr. Schumer, Mr. 
Tester, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Webb, Mr. Whitehouse, and Ms. 
Murkowski) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                              S. Res. 537

       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 approximately 22,000 women will be diagnosed with 
     ovarian cancer this year, and 15,500 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, more than 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 higher risk;
       Whereas some women, such as those with a family history of 
     breast or ovarian cancer, are at higher risk for developing 
     the disease;
       Whereas the Pap test is sensitive and specific to the early 
     detection of cervical cancer, but not to ovarian cancer;
       Whereas, as of the date of agreement to this resolution, 
     there is 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 2012 should be designated as ``National 
     Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month'' to increase the awareness of 
     the public regarding the cancer:
       Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate supports the goals and ideals of 
     National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

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