HR0993 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0993 LRB099 20360 MST 44837 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid inside a woman's ovaries; most ovarian cysts occur during ovulation and usually go away within a few months, without any treatment; most ovarian cysts are benign, but a small number of them are cancerous; and

WHEREAS, Ovarian cancer often progresses to an advanced stage before it is detected; 77% of women are diagnosed after the disease has reached an advanced stage; despite advancements in surgery and chemotherapy treatments, the overall 5-year survival rate for women with advanced stage ovarian cancer has remained constant over the past 30 years at approximately 15%; women diagnosed with early stage (Stage I) ovarian cancer have an overall 5-year survival rate approaching 90 to 95%; early-stage detection of ovarian cancer is the best way to improve survival; more than 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die annually from the disease; and

WHEREAS, There is currently no early detection test for ovarian cancer; until there is a test, the key to early diagnosis is awareness, and the key to awareness is knowing the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer and urging women to take early action; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is to save lives by fighting to prevent and cure ovarian cancer, and to improve the quality of life for survivors; and

WHEREAS, Through national programs and local chapter initiatives, the NOCC's goal is to make more people aware of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer; the NOCC provides information to assist the newly diagnosed patient, to provide hope to survivors, and to support caregivers; NOCC programs are possible only with the help of volunteers, committed men and women dedicated to the mission of the NOCC in communities across the country; and

WHEREAS, September of 2016 is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September 11-17, 2016 as "Ovarian Cyst Awareness Week" in the State of Illinois and we urge people to do all that they can to increase awareness of the dangers that some women face with ovarian cysts; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the NOCC as a symbol of our respect and esteem.