Velazquez Introduces Bill to Fight Ovarian and Cervical Cancers

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today introduced new legislation, H.R. 3161, that would help raise awareness about ovarian and cervical cancers. The “Ovarian Cervical Cancer Awareness Act of 2011,” would focus educational efforts for gynecological cancers on these two most deadly conditions, empowering women with information to help protect their health.

“These cancers are treatable with early detection and diagnosis, but every year thousands of women die because they didn’t receive timely care,” Velázquez said. “By empowering women with actionable information, we can catch cases earlier and save more lives.”

The legislation builds on “Johanna’s Law,” an already successful educational program related to gynecological cancers. By focusing resources and efforts on the most deadly subcategories of this disease, the bill aims to save women’s lives. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention estimate that there will be 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer and 13,000 of cervical cancer this year alone. In addition to focusing existing public resources on raising awareness about these two types of cancer, the legislation mandates that information be targeted toward low income women.

“Too often, we see low income women suffering from health disparities, due to a lack of information,” Velázquez noted. “It is important we raise awareness among those in vulnerable populations, who might not have access to the same level of care as more affluent groups.”

Velázquez has been a strong advocate for promoting education about cancer screenings. In March, she partnered with Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn to promote free colon cancer screenings in Brooklyn, a condition that disproportionately impacts the Latino community.

“When it comes to cancer, information is power,” Velázquez added. “By giving New Yorkers the knowledge they need, we can combat these deadly diseases, reduce mortality rates and save lives.”