On November 14, the House approved, by voice vote, the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act (H.R. 1245). The bill also is known as Johanna’s Law after Johanna Silver Gordon, who lost her life to ovarian cancer. Sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the measure would authorize $16.5 million through FY2008 for programs that are aimed at increasing women’s health care providers’ awareness and knowledge of gynecologic cancers, and for a national public awareness campaign that would encourage women to discuss their risk of gynecologic cancer with their physician.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) said, “This is a special moment. Whether it is a family member, a friend, or if you are a survivor yourself, each of us knows the deadly toll that gynecological cancer takes. Twenty years ago I found out for myself when, during an unrelated doctor’s visit, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I underwent radiation treatment for two and a half months, and I am proud to say that I have now been cancer-free for 20 years. But no one should have to depend on luck when it comes to life and death. Right now, almost 21,000 women are diagnosed every year with ovarian cancer, nearly 16,000 of whom will die. Ovarian cancer claims the lives of nearly three-quarters of women diagnosed simply because the disease is not detected until it has reached an advanced stage. This disease has a 45 percent 5-year survival rate. We have made progress, of course, through research at the NIH, Department of Defense, and with the recent approval of the HPV vaccine. But Johanna’s Law recognized something critical, that until we have accurate screening methods, public education is one of the most critical weapons we have toward beating gynecologic cancers like ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer…And so I thank you. I thank you for helping us pass this vital bill and taking such an important step forward. I was given a second chance at life. Others should have that same opportunity.”
Rep. Issa said, “Last year, I discovered first-hand how important early diagnosis and education can be. My legislative director, Paige Anderson, was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She is one of the lucky ones — she stands here today as a cancer survivor. However, it was not until after diagnosis that she learned about HPV, cervical cancer and the importance of yearly pap smears and pelvic exams. Unfortunately, her story is not unique. Paige’s journey led me to work with Representatives Sander Levin [D-MI], Dan Burton [R-IN], Kay Granger [R-TX], and Rosa DeLauro and introduce H.R. 1245, the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005, which has 257 bipartisan cosponsors. Johanna’s Law has afforded me the privilege and honor to meet and work with an amazing group of survivors, patients, doctors and families who have lost loved ones to these awful cancers. As I’ve spoken and met with other members and staff on H.R. 1245, it is surprising how little is known about gynecologic cancers. In fact, most do not know that a pap smear only helps diagnose cervical cancer. This test does not screen for uterine or ovarian cancer. Most do not know that there are early warning symptoms for ovarian cancer. This is why we need H.R. 1245, so we can fill the void that currently exists.”
