00                   SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 33                                                                   
01 Relating to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.                                                                             
02 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                               
03       WHEREAS the American Cancer Society reports that ovarian cancer accounts for                                    
04 four percent of all cancers among women, and ranks fifth as a cause of death, estimating that                           
05 there will be approximately 23,000 new cases diagnosed yearly, and over 13,000 deaths; and                              
06       WHEREAS, if ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated early while the cancer is                                   
07 confined to the ovary, the five-year survival rate reaches 93 percent on the average, depending                         
08 on the tumor type, stage, and grade; and                                                                                
09       WHEREAS the rate of survival drops significantly with late detection; and                                       
10       WHEREAS the incidence of advanced stage ovarian cancer is increasing due to the                                 
11 vague symptoms and the lack of a screening test for early detection; and                                                
12       WHEREAS increased public awareness of this disease, its risk factors, and its vague                             
13 and often subtle symptoms will greatly enhance chances of early detection and save lives;                               
14       BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature recognizes September as                                        
15 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and urges health care organizations, health care providers,                              
01 municipalities, private agencies, and individuals to observe the month with appropriate                                 
02 activities; and be it                                                                                                   
03       FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the                                    
04 Governor to proclaim the month of September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and to                                    
05 direct state agencies to observe the month with appropriate activities.