Whereas , Ovarian cancer accounts for about 3 percent of all cancers among women and ranks 2nd among gynecological cancers; and 

Whereas , In 2005, 538 Michigan women died from ovarian cancer and in 2004, 727 Michigan women were newly diagnosed with the disease; and,

Whereas, The American Cancer Society estimates that Michigan will have 550 deaths due to ovarian cancer in 2008; and,

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

Whereas , Without an effective screening test, ovarian cancer is usually not diagnosed at an early stage; and,

Whereas , The American Cancer Society has joined with the Gynecological Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists to issue the first nationwide consensus statement on ovarian cancer symptoms; and,

Whereas , This statement was created to raise awareness about symptoms most commonly associated with ovarian cancer, which include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms affecting urgency or frequency; and,

Whereas , Women who have these symptoms daily for more than a few weeks should consult a doctor, preferably a gynecologist, for a thorough examination; and,

Whereas , Education can help inform the public about ovarian cancers, and such efforts are underway by the Michigan Department of Community Health, the state of Michigan, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention; and now therefore be it,

Resolved , That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2008 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and I encourage citizens to learn more about this disease and its symptoms.