Supporting the designation of September 2023 as "National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month".
The bill aims to enhance public awareness of ovarian cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection. By designating a month for this purpose, the resolution seeks to bridge critical gaps in knowledge and understanding about ovarian cancer, especially noting that survival rates are significantly higher (over 90%) for cases diagnosed in early stages. The resolution also draws attention to health disparities, particularly among Black women and other marginalized groups who face higher rates of late-stage diagnoses and lower overall quality of care.
House Resolution 746 (HR746) supports the designation of September 2023 as 'National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.' The resolution underscores the critical issue of ovarian cancer among women, highlighting it as the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The bill emphasizes that while there are effective screening tests for some cancers, such as mammograms for breast cancer and pap smears for cervical cancer, no reliable early detection test exists for ovarian cancer. This gap contributes to approximately 80% of cases being diagnosed at advanced stages, which significantly affects survival rates.
HR746 addresses several issues of contention, including the need for increased efforts in research and education on ovarian cancer. It emphasizes the importance of genetic counseling and testing, particularly for individuals with a family history of the disease. The resolution acknowledges that compliance with existing guidelines for testing is alarmingly low, and asserts that improving awareness and access to such resources is vital for improving outcomes for women affected by ovarian cancer. The potential challenge lies in mobilizing legislative action and funding to support these initiatives, especially in underserved communities where the impact of ovarian cancer is disproportionately felt.