Today, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed legislation changing “Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month” in New Jersey from February to September, which is the same month that the country observes “National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.”
“Ovarian cancer affects thousands of New Jersey women and their families every single year,” said Governor Christie. “If detected early and treated properly, the survival rate for ovarian cancer increases more than 90 percent. Conforming with the nation’s observance of September as ‘National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month’ will increase awareness of ovarian cancer throughout New Jersey and help promote the importance of early detection and treatment to save lives.”
Often called the “silent disease” because of vague or subtle symptoms, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women and is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths in New Jersey and the United States, affecting women from all walks of life. More than 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually, and more than 14,000 die from the disease each year.
The New Jersey Department of Health has partnered with the Teal Tea Foundation, a national campaign to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, to call on municipalities around the state to “Turn the Towns Teal” in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Spearheaded by the Department’s New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) screening program, municipalities are collaborating with community organizations to tie teal ribbons around trees, polls and buildings and distribute information on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Governor Christie also issued a proclamation marking September 2013 as “Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month” throughout New Jersey
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