[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2012

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as 
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This is an important time to 
raise awareness about the disease and its symptoms. In 2012, it is 
estimated that approximately 22,280 women will be diagnosed with 
ovarian cancer and 15,500 will die of the disease.
  Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer among women and the 
fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, making it the deadliest 
gynecologic cancer. If ovarian cancer is treated before it spreads 
outside the ovary, the five-year survival rate is 93 percent. 
Currently, only 15 percent of ovarian cancers are found at such an 
early stage and overall the five-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 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.
  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 want to mention a few very important federal programs that are 
providing hope to those with ovarian cancer. The National Cancer 
Institute, NCI, at the National Institutes of Health does crucial 
research work in all areas of cancer, including ovarian cancer. These 
efforts will hopefully one day lead to breakthroughs that reduce 
ovarian cancer incidence, mortality, and morbidity. NCI has more than 
550 active research projects on ovarian cancer in its cancer research 
portfolio.
  Another important program is the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention's (CDC) Ovarian Cancer Control Initiative. This initiative 
works to coordinate and fund health activities working toward early 
detection and improved treatment options. CDC also plays a critical 
role in disseminating information about ovarian cancer risk factors, 
signs, and symptoms to women, health professionals, and the public. It 
is imperative that these programs continue to receive adequate funding 
in order to perform basic research and then translate that research 
into results for women with or at-risk for this terrible disease.
  I encourage all Members of Congress and staff to join me this month 
in bringing greater awareness to ovarian cancer and to help educate the 
women in your life about the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of 
ovarian cancer. Together we can help save lives from ovarian cancer.

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