DeLauro, Israel, Burton, Issa Applaud Designation of September as “National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month”

WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), SteveIsrael (D-NY), Dan Burton (R-IN) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) today applauded thePresident's designation of September as "National Ovarian Cancer AwarenessMonth." The four members led a bipartisan group of their colleagues inintroducing a resolution urging such a designation last July.

"As a survivor of ovarian cancer, whose life was saved byearly detection, I know how important it is to raise awareness about thisterrible disease. I am very pleased to join with my colleagues todayrecognizing September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month," said DeLauro."I was one of the lucky ones, but no one should have to rely on luck tosurvive. Women who catch their ovarian cancer at an earlier stage are threetimes more likely to survive the disease than those who do not. By designatingthis month as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we can help to raiseawareness, educate women, and save lives."

Israel said: "I join my colleagues in applaudingSeptember's designation as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Thisunderscores the importance of detecting ovarian cancer early, which candrastically improve chances of survival. Ovarian cancer is a terrible disease,and we must do everything in our power to make sure women are given the bestodds of combating it."

Burton said: "When it is detected early, ovariancancer is very treatable; unfortunately, ovarian cancer is one of the mostdifficult cancers to diagnose because symptoms are sometimes subtle and may beeasily confused with those of other diseases. Increased education andawareness about ovarian cancer, along with recognition of women who are athigher risk for developing ovarian cancer, is the only way that women and theirdoctors will be able to stop ignoring or misinterpreting the subtle symptoms ofthe disease. It is my hope that through the designation of September asNational Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month the spotlight will be put squarely onthis devastating disease. Early recognition of ovarian cancer symptoms stillstands alone as the best way to save women's lives."

Issa said: "With early diagnosis, ovarian canceris survivable. Over 95% of women who detect ovarian cancer during theearly stages of the disease defeat the disease. By learning the symptoms,checking their family histories and visiting with their doctors, women candetect ovarian cancer before it's too late. No one and no family should have toface ovarian cancer without the knowledge necessary to detect and defeatit. Along with my fellow Congressmen and citizens, I am proud to have helpedfight ovarian cancer."