Ovarian Cancer Awareness Postage Stamp
We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory
Committee approve an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Stamp. With early diagnosis and
specialized care, survival rates increase dramatically.
Every day counts...women/girls of all ages are dying needlessly from this
terrible disease. Each year, more than 20,000 American women are diagnosed with
ovarian cancer and nearly 16,000 deaths occur in the U.S. from this dreaded
disease. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, killing
more women than all other gynecologic cancers combined. Every female is at risk
(even those who have had their ovaries removed), and no age is spared (girls as
young as one year old have been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer).
Ovarian cancer is no longer called "The Silent Killer." Symptoms are often
subtle, but they are not silent. Women with ovarian cancer DO have symptoms,
even in the early stages.
These can include (but are not limited to):
Additional symptoms may include:
TAKE ACTION: See your doctor, preferably a Gynecologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you and occur or increase in intensity over two weeks. Experts suggest a combination pelvic/rectal exam, a trans-vaginal sonogram, and a CA-125 blood test. And, any woman at risk, suspected of having or diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer should consult a Gynecologic Oncologist. EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS THE KEY TO IMPROVED PROGNOSIS.
NOTE: Pap smears do NOT detect Ovarian Cancer.
Increased awareness of ovarian cancer by women
and healthcare providers is urgently needed. Every woman should have an annual
gynecologic exam, which should include a vaginal/rectal pelvic examination.
Women at high risk and those with persistent ovarian cancer symptoms should
receive prompt attention, and may benefit from additional evaluation with CA-125
blood testing and transvaginal ultrasound.
It is our sincere hope that an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Postage Stamp will help
improve the chances of early diagnosis. One of the best ways we can bring about
earlier diagnosis is through awareness and education. Symptoms are often
overlooked or attributed by women and their doctors to gastrointestinal upset or
menopausal problems. We can save women's lives through Ovarian Cancer awareness
and education. A U.S. Postage Stamp for Ovarian Cancer Awareness will be an
enormous help in these efforts.
Please consider our request at your earliest convenience...women are dying daily
because they do not know enough about this terrible disease. One of these women
could be you or someone close to you (your mother, your sister, your best
friend, or...even your daughter!).
We have been requesting an ovarian cancer awareness postage stamp annually since
2001. We know you are inundated with stamp requests and that there are many
worthy causes to be considered. Naturally, we believe our request merits strong
consideration, and we will continue our campaign until an Ovarian Cancer
Awareness Postage Stamp is granted and created.
Thank you for your consideration.
|