Gynecological Cancer Awareness Day

WHEREAS, ovarian, cervical, uterine and other gynecological cancers are an insidious threat to the health of women in Alabama; and

WHEREAS, many women may be unaware that they carry hereditary risk factors for these diseases, and genetic testing is now available to identify such risks; and

WHEREAS, there currently is no definitive test available for the early detection of ovarian cancer; and

WHEREAS, women of African and Eastern European descent are at a statistically increased risk of developing gynecological cancers; and

WHEREAS, the survival rates for all types of gynecological cancers are greatly improved with early detection and treatment; and

WHEREAS, learning the early warning signs, genetic risk factors, screening guidelines and the treatments available for gynecological cancers is an integral part of survivability related to these diseases; and

WHEREAS, groundbreaking research into the causes, detection and treatment of gynecological cancers is currently being performed in medical centers located in Alabama; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Capitol will be lit in teal, the designated awareness color for gynecological cancers, on Friday, September 6, 2013:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 6th, 2013, as

Gynecological Cancer Awareness Day

in the state of Alabama and encourage all citizens to reflect upon the memory of those lost to these diseases, the bravery of those currently battling these diagnoses, and the need for increased awareness, screening and research so that the women of Alabama might be spared from them in the future.