DeLauro Celebrates Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) today celebrated the beginning of ovarian cancer awareness month. DeLauro introduced a resolution urging designation of September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month on July 24. Later this month DeLauro and Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI) will announce the formation of the Congressional Ovarian Cancer Caucus.

“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. 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. Designating September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month would help raise public awareness about the disease and promote research, as well as early detection and prevention efforts. This will save the lives of women across the country.”

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 and is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society about 21,980 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2014.


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