[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1503-E1504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2012

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 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, Arizona,

[[Page E1504]]

an estimated 11,090 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 ovarian cancer screening or early detection test do not 
currently exist, organizations 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 Arizona.
  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 five-year survival rate is 93 percent. 
Currently, only 15 percent of ovarian cancers are found at such an 
early stage and overall the relative 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 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. 
Teal is the official color for ovarian cancer, like pink is for breast 
cancer. My staff and I will be wearing teal or teal ribbons to indicate 
our support of the ovarian cancer community and their efforts, 
including increasing awareness of the symptoms, boosting federal 
funding for ovarian cancer awareness, and expanding federal research to 
improve treatments and support the development of a desperately needed 
screening or early detection test.
  I urge my colleagues and their staffs 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.

                          ____________________