Supporting the designation of September 2026 as "National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month".

Rosa L. DeLauro

Democrat · CT · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Don Bacon (R-NE-2)Original· 2026-09-24

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

2026-09-24

Source: Congress.gov

Plain-English summary pending. Introduced on 2026-09-24. Check back soon — summaries are generated as bills progress through Congress.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Res. 1578 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1578 Supporting the designation of September 2026 as ``National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month''. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 24, 2026 Ms. DeLauro (for herself and Mr. Bacon) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform _______________________________________________________________________ RESOLUTION Supporting the designation of September 2026 as ``National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month''. Whereas ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths of women in the United States and causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer; Whereas, in the United States, a woman's lifetime risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is about 1 in 91; Whereas the American Cancer Society estimates 20,010 cases of ovarian cancer will be newly diagnosed in 2026, and 12,450 individuals will die from the disease nationwide; Whereas the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 51.6 percent, and survival rates vary greatly depending on the stage of diagnosis; Whereas the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer exceeds 90 percent for individuals diagnosed in early stages; Whereas, while the mammogram can detect breast cancer and the Pap smear can detect cervical cancer, there is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer; Whereas, in June 2007, the first national consensus statement on ovarian cancer symptoms was established to provide consistency in recognizing symptoms, making them easier to identify and report; Whereas Black women with ovarian cancer are more likely to receive late-stage diagnoses, experience delayed or lower quality clinical care, and face lower 5-year survival rates compared to non-Black women; Whereas disparities in care persist, with Black women experiencing lower survival rates than White women; Whereas women of color, low-income women, and women living in rural areas face systemic barriers to high-quality care and are less likely to receive treatment adhering to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (referred to in this preamble as the ``NCCN'') treatment guidelines; Whereas the proportion of ovarian cancer cases in women serving on active duty in the Armed Forces who are less than 45 years of age is substantially greater than in the general population; Whereas the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, urinary symptoms, and several other symptoms, are often vague and are often easily misattributed to other diseases; Whereas improved public and clinical awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms can lead to earlier presentation, faster diagnostic evaluation, and expanded treatment options; Whereas the absence of an early detection test for ovarian cancer combined with its vague symptoms mean that approximately 80 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are detected at an advanced stage; Whereas gaps in collecting and reporting data on treatment and outcomes related to ovarian cancer risk, especially for underserved communities and marginalized populations, can impede the development of effective health policies; Whereas all women are at risk for ovarian cancer, but approximately 20 percent of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a hereditary predisposition to ovarian cancer, which places them at even higher risk; Whereas scientists and physicians have uncovered changes in the BRCA genes that some women inherit from their parents, which may make those women 30 times more likely to develop ovarian cancer; Whereas the family history of a woman has been found to play an important role in accurately assessing her risk of developing ovarian cancer, and medical experts believe that family history should be taken into consideration during the annual well-woman visit of any woman; Whereas those women who…

have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer should consider genetic testing and counseling to determine whether their risk of developing a heritable cancer is elevated; Whereas women who know that they are at high risk of ovarian cancer may undertake prophylactic measures like a salpingo-oophorectomy to help reduce the risk of developing this disease; Whereas guidelines issued by the NCCN and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology recommend that all individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer receive genetic counseling and genetic testing regardless of their family history; Whereas studies continue to show that many individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not receive recommended genetic counseling and testing; Whereas, according to a consensus report by the National Academy of Medicine, ``there remain surprising gaps in the fundamental knowledge about and understanding of ovarian cancer'' across all aspects of the disease; Whereas advances in precision medicine, genetic testing, targeted therapies, and maintenance treatments have improved outcomes for many patients with ovarian cancer, yet significant unmet needs remain, particularly in early detection; Whereas ovarian cancer research remains underfunded relative to its mortality rate, making increased Federal investment critical to progress; Whereas ongoing investments in ovarian cancer research and education and awareness efforts are critical to closing these gaps and improving survivorship for women with ovarian cancer; Whereas, each year during the month of September, the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and community partner organizations hold a number of events to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms; and Whereas September 2026 should be designated as ``National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month'' to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) supports the designation of ``National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month''; and (2) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month''. <all>

• HR10544To modernize and strengthen Federal efforts to improve ovarian cancer awareness, hereditary cancer risk assessment, access to genetic counseling and testing, and access to specialty care, and for other purposes.
  Referred to Committee · 2026-09-24
• HRES1547Recognizing the importance of diapers to infant health and family well-being, and expressing support for the designation of the week of September 14-20, 2026, as "National Diaper Need Awareness Week".
  Referred to Committee · 2026-09-16
• HR4647Captain Paul W. Bud Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025
  Passed House · 2026-07-16
• HR9458Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act
  Referred to Committee · 2026-06-25