[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise to express my support for women 
and families affected by ovarian cancer. In 2012, it is estimated that 
approximately 22,280 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 
15,500 will die of the disease. In my State of Minnesota, an estimated 
260 women will die from ovarian cancer this year. Too many American 
women--sisters, daughters, nieces, wives, friends, neighbors, and 
coworkers--are losing their lives to this disease.
  Because no ovarian cancer screening or early detection test exists, 
organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance stress that 
``until there's a test, awareness is best.'' I commend the Ovarian 
Cancer National Alliance for its steadfast commitment to make women 
aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of ovarian cancer and 
for its advocacy on behalf of women and families touched by this 
devastating disease. I also would like to commend the Ovarian Cancer 
National Alliance's Partner Member groups in my State, including the 
Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, which is one of the largest funders 
of research for ovarian cancer in the country.
  Experts recommend that women see a gynecologist if they experience 
any of the often subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer daily for more than 
a few weeks. Four major symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, 
pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, 
and frequent or urgent need to urinate. I ask all of my colleagues to 
become familiar with these symptoms and to share the information with 
their friends, family, staff, and constituents.
  Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer among women and the 
fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, making it the deadliest 
of gynecologic cancers. If ovarian cancer is treated before it has 
spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is 93 percent. 
Currently, only 15 percent of ovarian cancers are found at such an 
early stage and overall the relative 5-year survival rate is 46 
percent. I urge my colleagues to help make women aware of the potential 
warning signs to prevent future deaths. Experts acknowledge that 
symptoms can be vague and may be associated with other medical 
conditions. However, as the saying goes, it is better to be safe than 
sorry.
  September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month--an important 
time during which ovarian cancer organizations, advocates, and others 
will be helping to raise awareness about the disease and its symptoms. 
I urge my colleagues and their staff to join me in recognizing 
September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and to join with 
us in wearing teal throughout September to increase public knowledge 
about this deadly disease.

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