At DeLauro Urging, Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Program
At DeLauro Urging, Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Program
Granted First Funding Increase in 5 Years
The House Appropriations Committee today voted to grant the first increase in 5 years to the Defense Department's Ovarian Cancer Research Program. Under the Military Quality of Life Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2007, the program would receive $15 million in funding, a $5 million increase over last year's bill. Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3), an ovarian cancer survivor, led the effort in the U.S. House to increase funding for this important program. The bill is scheduled for floor debate in the House next week.
"As an ovarian cancer survivor, I know firsthand the impact this disease has on women's lives and the increased chance for cure when it is detected in the early stages," said DeLauro. "Far too many women do not know what symptoms to look for and seek help when it is too late - my own cancer was diagnosed during a doctor's visit on an unrelated issue. Increased research is needed on this cancer particularly since researchers are still struggling to develop the first ovarian cancer screening test. This funding will move this field of research forward at a critical time."
Last year, the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program was funded less than 15 percent of the successful research proposals due to insignificant funds. Since 1998, research conducted through the DoD Ovarian Cancer Research Program has contributed to 246 publications and 274 abstracts, serving to bolster and expand the limited body of scientific knowledge of ovarian cancer. Perhaps most significantly, the office is responsible for the recruitment of 28 new investigators and the development of nine patents. The program has been funded at $10 million since FY 2002.
Currently, almost half (45 percent) of women with ovarian cancer will die within five years of diagnosis.
http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/May/DOD_ovarian_cancer_5_10_06.html