Robin Babbini, a 17-year-old senior at West Hollywood’s Pacific Hills High School, was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in 2006. Three years later, despite undergoing a hysterectomy and chemotherapy treatments, she died at age 20 while pursuing a degree from UC Santa Barbara.

Her mother, Paulinda Babbini, started the nonprofit Ovarian Cancer Circle in her daughter’s memory.

She joined Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, during a ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall on Tuesday morning to declare a citywide Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day on Sept. 19. September is already recognized as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month throughout the U.S.

Councilwoman Nury Martinez, Ovarian Cancer Circle founder Paulinda Babbini, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and Councilman Paul Koretz held a proclamation making Sept. 19 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day in Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of the Council District 5 office)

“Paulinda has made ovarian cancer and fundraising her life’s mission,” Koretz said, speaking before the council surrounded by a group that included a few ovarian cancer survivors.

More than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and more than 14,000 of them will die, according to American Cancer Society statistics. It’s more common among older women, especially at 63 and over. Rates are highest among women ages 55 to 63, according to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.

Early detection is crucial, but only approximately 20 percent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at an early stage.

“Ovarian cancer is a serious issue that more women need to be aware about,” said Councilwoman Nury Martinez, 6th District. “One of the most striking things to me is how much success doctors have in beating cancer if it’s caught early. Unfortunately, too often, women don’t catch it in time, and screening for ovarian cancer isn’t a routine procedure.”

Reliable early detection has proven elusive. Transvaginal ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test are typically used for ovarian cancer screenings, but they don’t always catch it, according to the American Cancer Society.

Part of the Ovarian Cancer Circle’s work has been to create a sense of urgency about the need for more efficient screenings and early detection.

“It’s really important we serve as these advocates,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, 7th District. “When we talk about not just ovarian cancer, but all the other gynecological diseases that can be detected early, should women be afforded that opportunity to get these important screenings, [it] would make an incredible difference to the lives of many many women.”

Before Robin was diagnosed, she was convinced she had ovarian cancer after researching symptoms. Persistent nausea convinced her something was wrong, even though a few early trips to the doctor failed to uncover anything.

“I truly believe if I had known then what I know now, Robin would be here telling the story,” Babbini said.

“Today’s prominent recognition certainly helps increase and further the awareness,” she added.

Besides lack of awareness, some women face obstacles such as lack of insurance coverage to help with the costs of screenings that could lead to an early diagnosis.

Council President Herb Wesson, 10th District, suggested that the council consider a resolution to spur more action by the state Legislature on issues surrounding insurance coverage and awareness of ovarian cancer.

“When conversations begin, that’s when you begin to see changes,” he said.