PRINTER'S NO. 2027
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
218
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY HOGAN, BULLOCK, BRENNAN, MAJOR, PICKETT, T. DAVIS,
KHAN, MADDEN, CAUSER, VENKAT, HILL-EVANS, McNEILL, KAUFFMAN,
R. MACKENZIE, MARCELL, HANBIDGE, MENTZER, GAYDOS, GILLEN,
HADDOCK, M. JONES, BOROWSKI, HEFFLEY AND WARREN,
SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of September 2023 as "Ovarian Cancer
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Ovarian cancer, which occurs when abnormal cells in
a woman's ovaries, fallopian tubes or the related peritoneum
grow out of control and spread, is the fifth leading cause of
cancer deaths for women in the United States; and
WHEREAS, There are more than 30 types of ovarian cancer, with
epithelial ovarian cancers being the most common; and
WHEREAS, A woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer during
her lifetime is approximately 1 in 78; and
WHEREAS, A woman's chance of dying from ovarian cancer is
approximately 1 in 108; and
WHEREAS, Increased risk factors for developing ovarian cancer
include aging, a family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal
cancer, hereditary syndromes and obesity; and
WHEREAS, About half of all women diagnosed with ovarian
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cancer are 63 years of age or older; and
WHEREAS, In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates
approximately 19,710 women will receive a new diagnosis of
ovarian cancer, and approximately 13,270 women will die from
ovarian cancer; and
WHEREAS, Ovarian cancer mortality has declined more than 3%
annually from 2016 to 2020, reflecting both decreased incidence
and improved treatment; and
WHEREAS, When detected early, 94% of ovarian cancer patients
live longer than five years after diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 20% of ovarian cancers are detected at
an early stage; and
WHEREAS, Despite years of research, experts have not yet
developed a successful ovarian cancer screening test, making the
condition difficult to diagnose in early stages; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and
include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating,
urinary symptoms and weight gain; and
WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society recommends that women
discuss potential ovarian cancer symptoms with their doctors;
and
WHEREAS, Raising awareness of ovarian cancer is critically
important in achieving earlier diagnoses; and
WHEREAS, September is the official "Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Month," a time to spread awareness about ovarian cancer risk and
prevention and to garner support for continued scientific
research; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
September 2023 as "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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