Senate Joint Resolution 55, sponsored by Briggs, recognizes September 2025 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the significant impact of ovarian cancer, which is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States, with a lifetime diagnosis risk of approximately 1 in 78. It cites alarming statistics from the American Cancer Society, predicting around 20,890 new cases and 12,740 deaths from ovarian cancer in 2025, including 380 new cases and 300 deaths in Tennessee. The resolution emphasizes the importance of early detection, as the five-year survival rate is significantly higher for those diagnosed at earlier stages.

The resolution also addresses the disparities in healthcare access faced by women of color, low-income women, and those in rural areas, who often encounter barriers to receiving quality care. It points out the vague symptoms of ovarian cancer, which can lead to late-stage diagnoses, as approximately 80% of cases are detected at advanced stages. To combat this, the resolution supports the guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, recommending genetic counseling and testing for all individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer, regardless of family history. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about ovarian cancer and its symptoms during the designated month.