LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim September 2010 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is estimated that more than 25,000 American women will be
diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and that more than 14,000 will
die from this disease; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim September 2010 as Ovarian Cancer
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with National
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, SHARE, a Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer,
is a not-for-profit, peer organization aimed to create and sustain a
supportive network and community of women affected by breast or ovarian
cancer; it assures that no one need face breast or ovarian cancer alone;
and
WHEREAS, SHARE brings these women and their families and friends
together with others who have experienced breast or ovarian cancer, and
provides participants with the opportunity to receive and exchange
information, support, strength and hope; and
WHEREAS, SHARE's work focuses on empowerment, education and advocacy
to bring about better health care, an improved quality of life, and a
cure for these diseases; and
WHEREAS, During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we seek to
increase understanding of ovarian cancer and the importance of early
detection, and to recognize the advances made to eliminate this disease;
and
WHEREAS, Early detection and education are critical to treating ovari-
an cancer; today, only half of the women diagnosed with this disease are
expected to survive five years or more; however, the five-year survival
rate for those whose cancer is detected early is more than 90 percent;
and
WHEREAS, When the disease is discovered in its early stages, doctors
are able to treat it with standard methods, such as surgery, chemothera-
py, and radiation therapy; and
WHEREAS, Researchers have made significant progress in developing
screening tests that can accurately diagnose ovarian cancer; much work
remains, however, before we can reliably detect the disease in its
earliest stages when treatment is most effective; and
WHEREAS, All women are urged to talk to their doctors about ovarian
cancer and the best course of action to detect and treat this deadly
disease; doing so is particularly important for women aged 40 or older,
those with a family history of ovarian cancer, and those with a personal
history of breast, endometrial, or colon cancer; and
WHEREAS, Through research, we can learn how to reduce the chances of
developing this disease, how to recognize it in its earliest stages, and
how to successfully treat women in every stage of ovarian cancer; and
WHEREAS, Through education and continued research, we can win the
fight against ovarian cancer and save the lives of thousands of American
women; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim September 2010 as
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York; and to SHARE.