Goodyear marks September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, survivor urges earlier detection and research

Mayor and the City Council recognized September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month during the Sept. 22 meeting and heard remarks from a survivor who urged expanded awareness, research and earlier diagnosis.

Rachel Putman (introduced at the dais), speaking about her experience, said ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers affecting women in the United States, and she cited national figures: nearly 20,000 diagnoses and more than 12,700 deaths annually, which she characterized as a "staggering 64 percent mortality rate." Putman described being diagnosed at age 38 with stage 3 low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), the personal impacts of treatment and loss of fertility, and the disease's high recurrence rate.

"At age 38, I was diagnosed with stage 3 a low grade serous ovarian cancer or LGSOC," Putman said. She described LGSOC as "a rare form of ovarian cancer that disproportionately impacts young premenopausal women" and urged more research into earlier detection and better treatments. Putman also recounted the death last September of a mentee and friend, Jordan, and said those losses motivate her advocacy: "Women like Jordan deserve more. They deserve a future. And that begins with awareness, which leads to earlier diagnosis, research, and ultimately bridal [sic]." (quote as spoken).

Council members and the mayor thanked Putman for sharing her story and joined in the proclamation recognizing September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Goodyear.