[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23891]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 311--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL 
                     OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mrs. Dole, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Menendez, 
Mrs. Murray, and Mr. Wyden) submitted the following resolution; which 
was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 311

       Whereas ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all 
     gynecological cancers, and the reported incidence of ovarian 
     cancer is increasing over time;
       Whereas ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer 
     deaths among women in the United States;
       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 the Pap smear is sensitive and specific to the 
     early detection of cervical cancer, but not to ovarian 
     cancer;
       Whereas there is currently no reliable and easy-to-
     administer screening test used for the early detection of 
     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, and urinary 
     symptoms, among several other symptoms that are easily 
     confused with other diseases;
       Whereas due to the lack of a reliable early screening test, 
     75 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are detected at an 
     advanced stage, when the 5-year survival rate is only 50 
     percent, a much lower rate than for many other cancers;
       Whereas if ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated at an 
     early stage before the cancer spreads outside of the ovary, 
     the treatment is potentially less costly, and the survival 
     rate is as high as 90 percent;
       Whereas there are factors that are known to reduce the risk 
     for ovarian cancer and play an important role in the 
     prevention of the disease;
       Whereas awareness and early recognition of ovarian cancer 
     symptoms are currently the best way to save women's lives;
       Whereas the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, during the 
     month of September, holds a number of events to increase 
     public awareness of ovarian cancer; and
       Whereas a National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month should be 
     designated 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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