SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 289

	WHEREAS, Ovarian cancer, which is the fourth most common 
cause of fatal cancer in the United States, is one of the most 
serious threats to women's health across our state and nation; 
and
	WHEREAS, This dire disease causes more deaths than any 
other cancer of the female reproductive system; ovarian cancer is 
treatable, but only when it is detected before spreading beyond 
the ovaries, at which stage the five-year survival rate can be 
almost 93 percent; and
	WHEREAS, Unfortunately, there is currently no screening 
test for early detection of ovarian cancer; therefore, increased 
public awareness about the disease, its risk factors, and its 
subtle symptoms is important for saving lives; and
	WHEREAS, It is of paramount importance that women and their 
doctors learn to recognize the warning signs, which are often the 
only early indication of illness; increased awareness of the 
symptoms and risk factors will greatly enhance chances of early 
detection and survival; and
	WHEREAS, Inspired by and in memory of Carolyn Mierl,
Donna Rossi, and Linda Manning, three mothers who lost their 
battle with the disease, the Central Texas, Dallas/Fort Worth, 
and Houston divisions of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition 
are promoting ovarian cancer awareness activities during the 
month of September, 2003, and are encouraging every woman in 
Texas to become knowledgeable about the symptoms and risk factors 
of the disease; and
	WHEREAS, More ovarian cancer research will undoubtedly 
help to develop reliable diagnostics, improved therapies, and 
prevention strategies, thereby offering women the opportunity
to better fight and overcome this deadliest of all gynecological 
cancers; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby recognize September of 2003 as Ovarian 
Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Texas and encourage Texans 
to seek out information about this serious health concern.
                                                                    Van de Putte




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 4, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate