Declare Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 2459 BY: Senator HANNON MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2017, as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2017, as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women between the ages of 35 and 74, and an estimated one out of 71 women will develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime; and WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society estimated that there were approximately 22,280 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2015, and that approximately 14,240 women died from the disease; in New York State there were an estimated 950 deaths from ovarian cancer; and WHEREAS, A family history of ovarian cancer increases the risk for the disease, in addition to a history of any type of cancer due to an inherited gene mutation; and WHEREAS, Symptoms of ovarian cancer can mask themselves as more common conditions such as digestive and bladder problems, nausea, and lack of appetite, thus reducing the concern for immediate medical attention; and WHEREAS, There are three cell types in which cancerous tumors can originate from within the ovaries: epithelial, germ, and stromal; left undetected, these normally benign tumors can become malignant and metastasize throughout the body; and WHEREAS, There are a multitude of risk factors for women associated with ovarian cancer, such as age, obesity, reproductive history, hormone therapy, and diet; and WHEREAS, Screening for ovarian cancer is instrumental in detecting the disease, while early detection is a measure for manageable treatment and late detection can result in the spread of the cancer; and WHEREAS, Treatment for all stages of ovarian cancer can involve the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, followed by chemotherapy and regular physical exams; and WHEREAS, The New York State Legislature continues its commitment to educate the public in the importance of early detection and prevention, to support institutions that further research and knowledge in the treatment of ovarian cancer, and to promote an environment in which a healthy lifestyle will result in healthy minds and bodies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2017, as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.