09-R328

2009 -- H 6339

Enacted 06/26/09

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Williams, McCauley, Hearn, A Rice, and Shallcross Smith

Date Introduced: June 26, 2009

     WHEREAS, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to underscore our

commitment to fighting ovarian cancer and to finding a cure for this deadly disease; and

     WHEREAS, Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers and the fifth

leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are detected each year in

the United States, including numerous cases in the State of Rhode Island, and more than half of

these cases prove fatal. However, increased knowledge and awareness of the disease can lead to

early detection and a high cure rate; and

     WHEREAS, When detected early over 90% of women survive ovarian cancer, but

tragically for many women the diagnosis comes too late because most women and their

healthcare providers are not aware of the subtle symptoms of this disease, known as the "silent

cancer"; and

     WHEREAS, The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) along with its Rhode

Island Chapter work throughout the year to promote patient, public and professional education,

emotional support, and advocacy and awareness efforts. The NOCC, through its "Break the

Silence" campaign, is committed to improving the survival rate and quality of life for women

with ovarian cancer; and

     WHEREAS, During Ovarian Cancer Month, we remember those who have lost their lives

to this deadly disease, and honor the courage and strength of those who continue to fight this

disease. We also recognize the dedicated medical professionals and researchers whose tireless

efforts help provide a brighter and healthier future for women; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims the month of September as “Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Month” and urge the people of the State of Rhode Island to continue their strong commitment to

preventing and treating this deadly disease; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the American Cancer Institute, the National

Ovarian Cancer Coalition and its Rhode Island Chapter.

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LC02904

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