LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 2015 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 memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2015 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 approx-
imately 21,980 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2014, and that approxi-
mately 14,270 women died from the disease; in New York State there were
an estimated 900 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 inher-
ited 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 metas-
tasize 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, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body memorialize Governor Andrew M.
Cuomo to proclaim September 2015 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 tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.