Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, ovarian cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women and is responsible for more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer; and

WHEREAS, ovarian cancer occurs when cells in or near the ovaries develop mutations in their DNA that tell the cells to grow and multiply quickly creating a mass of cancer cells; and

WHEREAS, cancer cells continue living when healthy cells would die, and they can invade nearby tissues and break off from an initial tumor to metastasize to other parts of the body; and

WHEREAS, the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include abdominal bloating or swelling, quickly feeling full when eating, weight loss, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, back pain, changes in bowel habits, and frequent urination; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that more than 19,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and more than 13,000 will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, in Virginia, it is estimated that in 2024 there will be 490 new cases and 340 deaths; and

WHEREAS, there is no test or screening exam that can detect ovarian cancer in its early stages; and

WHEREAS, citizens are encouraged to learn more about the subtle signs, symptoms, and current treatment options available to women to identify and overcome this disease; and

WHEREAS, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is a time to remember and honor those who fought hard but lost their battle to ovarian cancer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 2024, as OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations