[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Pages 23901-23902]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS 
                                 MONTH

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 311, submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 311) supporting the goals and ideals 
     of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, this resolution designates September as 
``National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.'' I am pleased to be joined 
by my colleagues, Senators Dole and Clinton, to shed some light on this 
disease.
  This year alone, ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 
20,000 women, and approximately 15,000 more women will die of this 
disease. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is usually caught in an advanced 
stage, meaning there is only a 29 percent survival rate over five 
years. We must acknowledge these statistics and overcome the challenges 
of diagnosing this deadly disease.
  Earlier this year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet 
with nine-year survivor Carolyn Benivegna of Novi, Michigan. After 
being misdiagnosed by a number of doctors, Carolyn finally learned that 
she had ovarian cancer. However, Carolyn is not letting the cancer run 
her life. Instead, she has become an advocate for the Survivors 
Teaching Students program, which aims to enhance medical students' 
understanding of the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer to 
facilitate early diagnosis and detection when they begin practicing 
medicine. I am proud that both Michigan State University and Wayne 
State University are starting Survivors Training Students programs for 
their medical students.
  While there is no definitive screening test, recent studies have 
shown common symptoms of ovarian cancer such as bloating, abdominal 
pain, and difficulty eating. However, we must take active steps to 
educate the community and medical providers of the newest discoveries 
in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of this disease.
  Mr. President, by recognizing September as National Ovarian Cancer 
Awareness Month, we can show our support for ovarian cancer survivors 
and their families and join the fight to conquer this disease.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be 
laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be 
printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 311) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              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;

[[Page 23902]]

       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.

                          ____________________