Fletcher encourages women to 'learn risk factors, symptoms' this Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

For U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston), Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September is personal.

"As I shared with my colleagues recently, my beloved grandmother died of ovarian cancer that went undiagnosed until it was too late,” Fletcher revealed on Twitter recently. “Sadly, it is often attributed to other conditions. Learn your risk factors and know the symptoms this #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth."

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2021 around 21,000 cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed, with 60% of those cases fatal.

Ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs in the female body that produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is when malignant cells form on the outer layer of one or both organs.

In a proclamation issued last month, President Joe Biden said, "During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the courage of those affected by ovarian cancer and renew our commitment to fighting this illness that takes the lives of far too many women. We also recommit to improving and promoting early cancer detection, investing in cancer research and ensuring that every woman has equitable access to the care they need and deserve."

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer death among women. The five-year survival rate is over 90% when ovarian cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages. But only 20% of all cases are found in state 1 or stage 2. If the cancer is diagnosed in stage III or higher, the survival rate is as low as 28%, according to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.