Whereas, Ovarian cancer, the fifth most common cause of fatal cancer in the United States, is a serious and unrecognized threat to women’s health across Michigan and the nation; and,

Whereas, Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system; and,

Whereas, There will be an estimated 26,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2004 and an estimated 17,000 deaths of women already stricken by ovarian cancer in 2004; and,

Whereas, Ovarian cancer is treatable when detected early, before it has spread beyond the ovaries, and at this stage the 5-year survival rate can be 95 percent; and,

Whereas, There is no screening test for the early detection of ovarian cancer; and,

Whereas, Increased awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer will enhance chances of early detection and survival from the disease; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Division of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition will promote ovarian cancer awareness activities during the month of September, 2004, and encourage every Michigan woman to be educated about the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer; and,

Whereas, More ovarian cancer research can help to develop reliable diagnostics, better therapies, and prevention strategies, thereby offering women in Michigan a better opportunity to win their battle for life against this most deadly of all gynecologic cancers; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2004, as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan.