Declare Cancer Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 125 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2025, as Gynecologic 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 illnesses 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2025, as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to draw attention to this important women's health issue and offer vital information on risk cancers, warning signs, and prevention strategies; and WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that this year more than 113,500 women will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer and more than 33,000 will die from the disease; and WHEREAS, Gynecological cancers are those that develop in a woman's reproductive tract and include cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer; and WHEREAS, There are different risk factors for each of these cancers, including, in some cases, heredity; however, there are many women who develop cancer without being considered high risk; and WHEREAS, Each type of gynecological cancer has different symptoms, some of which may be difficult to recognize; while women should be familiar with the symptoms associated with gynecological cancer, it is just as important for women to pay attention to their own bodies and take note when something is "off" or not normal; and WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a symptoms diary women can use to keep track of any unusual symptoms they may experience so they can share this in detail with a healthcare provider; and WHEREAS, It is important for women to be aware of the types of gynecological cancer, symptoms and potential warning signs to watch out for, and screening and prevention strategies; it is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2025, as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.