Velazquez Seeks to Raise Awareness for Reproductive Cancers through Screening, Early Detection

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation that would increase public awareness on the importance of reproductive cancer screening. The bill H.R. 8442, entitled the Ovarian and Cervical Cancer Awareness Act of 2020 intends to address two of the deadliest reproductive cancers women face and prioritize underserved women in our national gynecological health public awareness campaign.

"It is absolutely critical that we expand screening for these cancers," said Velázquez. "The earlier women get tested for these cancers, the quicker they can receive potentially life-saving treatment. This bill will increase awareness of the gravity of ovarian and cervical cancer and direct the CDC to prioritize them in outreach efforts. By promoting the importance of screening, we have the potential to save lives."

Ovarian and cervical cancers are among the deadliest gynecological cancers. Ovarian cancer alone causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. These cancers can be detected early, through numerous readily available methods of testing. Most women who develop invasive cervical cancer did not receive regular screenings prior to their diagnosis. The act, if implemented, would emphasize raising awareness among particularly susceptible groups, including women with a family history of cancer or other conditions that would predispose them to being at higher risk, and underserved women who may not regularly receive screenings.

The Ovarian and Cervical Cancer Awareness Act of 2020 has been endorsed by Women's Voices for the Earth and Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation. The bill is currently co-sponsored by Representative Michael F.Q. San Nicolas of Guam.

A pdf of the bill is also available online here.

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