Highlight Resources on Last Day of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Steve Israel (D-NY) today marked the close of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by highlighting the need for this disease to stay in the consciousness all year long. DeLauro and Israel annually introduce a resolution urging designation of September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

“As a survivor of ovarian cancer, whose life was saved by early detection, I know how important it is to raise awareness about this terrible disease,” said DeLauro. “I was one of the lucky ones, but no one should have to rely on luck to survive. Women who catch their ovarian cancer at an earlier stage are three times more likely to survive the disease than those who do not. Having a month to spotlight the disease is important, but we must keep treatment and prevention at the forefront throughout the year.”

Israel said: “Even though Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is coming to an end, we must commit to educate ourselves and others about the benefit of early detection of ovarian cancer and the symptoms to be aware of. Rep. DeLauro and I will continue to fight for increased awareness, treatment, and prevention in an effort to minimize the suffering from this horrible disease, which claims the lives of far too many women each year.”

Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
•    Abdominal bloating or swelling
•    Quickly feeling full when eating
•    Weight loss
•    Discomfort in the pelvis area
•    Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
•    A frequent need to urinate

Ovarian cancer accounts for about three percent of cancers among women, but causes more deaths than any other cancer that affects the female reproductive system. According to the American Cancer Society about 21,980 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2014.


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