Washington, D.C. – Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Kay Granger, Darrell Issa and Sander Levin today joined survivors and family members whose lives have been impacted by cancer to announce the reintroduction of “Johanna’s Law: The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005.”

The legislation would provide for programs to increase the awareness and knowledge of women with respect to gynecologic cancers, and would also include demonstration grants for outreach and education.

“As an ovarian cancer survivor, I know firsthand the impact this disease has on women’s lives and the increased chance for cure when it is detected in the early stages,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro. Far too many women do not know what symptoms to look for and seek help when it is too late – my own cancer was diagnosed during a doctor’s visit on an unrelated issue. That is why public education is one of the most critical weapons we have against this and other deadly gynecologic cancers. Johanna’s Law is an education and awareness research that can save lives. That is why we need to pass this legislation and soon.”

“Johanna’s story is one we’re hearing over and over again—of women being diagnosed with gynecological cancer in the latter stages with no benefits of early and effective treatment,” said Congresswoman Kay Granger. “If passed, Johanna’s law will help educate women about gynecological cancers, which we hope will dramatically reduce the number of women from dying from this awful disease. Women should not be dying from gynecological cancers because of a lack of information.”

“Knowledge and vigilance are the best defense against gynecological cancers,” Rep. Issa explained. “Educating the public and doctors about these cancers will increase the likelihood of early detection and successful treatment. By making a modest investment today, we save lives.”

“Through awareness and early detection, we help women beat gynecologic cancers,” said Rep. Levin. “This legislation will help women across the nation understand the symptoms to be on the lookout for and the steps to take if they need care.”

The idea for “Johanna’s Law,” was conceived by Sheryl Silver, who lost her sister, Johanna, to ovarian cancer following a three-and-a-half year battle with the disease.

“Like many women who are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, my sister, Johanna, was not aware that the symptoms she was experiencing could be related to ovarian cancer until after she was diagnosed with an advanced stage of the disease. Despite being a health conscious woman who visited the gynecologist regularly, her lack of knowledge about these symptoms contributed to a delay in diagnosis. Tragically, Johanna’s story is all too common,” said Silver. “This bill is intended to change that.”

“This bill is needed because early detection of these cancers is key to the successful treatment and survival of women,” said James W. Orr, M.D., SGO President, and Director, Gynecologic Cancer and Research, Florida Gynecologic Oncology, Ft. Myers, Florida. “Every additional effort we can make to educate women about the signs and symptoms of these cancers, which affect nearly 80,000 women a year in the U.S., will help save lives. SGO thanks Representatives DeLauro, Granger, Issa and Levin for supporting women by sponsoring this bill.”

According to the American Cancer Society, gynecologic cancers will affect approximately 79,480 women and take 28,910 lives this year.