[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 198 (Friday, October 14, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52231-52232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25673]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 14, 1994]


  
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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 6739--National Breast Cancer Awareness Month


                        Presidential Documents 


Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 198
Friday, October 14, 1994

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Title 3--
The President
                Proclamation 6739 of October 12, 1994

 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Just weeks ago, scientists announced that they had 
                identified a gene whose mutation causes hereditary 
                breast cancer. Although the effects of this exciting 
                discovery may not be realized for some time, as we mark 
                National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1994, families 
                and friends across the country have much to celebrate. 
                American women have greater access to breast cancer 
                screening than ever before. In addition to the latest 
                advances in medical research, we have made significant 
                strides in early detection and treatment, immeasurably 
                improving women's chances for survival. Our knowledge 
                of what causes this disease is expanding, and, 
                bolstered by a firm national commitment to basic 
                research, scientists continue to develop new and more 
                effective methods of treatment. With each small step 
                forward, we are saving women's lives.

                Still, an estimated 182,000 American women will be 
                diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Almost 43,000 
                will die. It remains the second leading cause of cancer 
                death among American women. The health care community 
                has worked tirelessly to educate Americans about the 
                importance of early detection, but many women postpone 
                recommended check-ups and do not yet practice regular 
                self-examination. We must work to make sure that all 
                women are informed about the dangers of breast cancer, 
                are aware of the life-saving potential of early 
                detection, and have access to the high-quality care for 
                which our Nation is known around the world. Every one 
                of us can and must take an active role in the fight 
                against breast cancer.

                As we strive to ensure that our health care system 
                meets the needs of all of our citizens, we must be 
                certain that women receive proper screening for breast 
                cancer. In concert with self-examination and clinical 
                check-ups, mammography can be invaluable. Many cancers 
                can be detected on a mammogram as early as 2 years 
                before they would be noticed by a woman or her 
                physician. Third-party reimbursement for mammography is 
                increasing, Medicare now covers much of the cost of 
                screening for women ages 65 or older, and many States 
                now have laws requiring private insurers to offer 
                coverage for this procedure. And a major effort is 
                under way to inform employers about how businesses can 
                provide screening mammography. I urge every State 
                government, insurance company, medical facility, and 
                business to follow these examples and to develop 
                policies that incorporate this essential test.

                Americans have always relied on partnerships to 
                confront the many trials of daily life: partnerships 
                between mothers and fathers to care for their children, 
                partnerships between teachers and students to prepare 
                for the challenges of the future. So, too, we must 
                depend on one another if we are to succeed in the 
                battle against breast cancer. Mothers and daughters, 
                patients and physicians, public and private sector 
                alike--every one of us must bear responsibility for our 
                health and the health of our loved ones. By sharing the 
                lessons of proper nutrition in preventing cancer, by 
                emphasizing the importance of regular breast 
                examination, and by maintaining an unswerving national 
                commitment to basic research, all of us can be life 
                savers.

                The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 185, has 
                designated the month of October 1994, as ``National 
                Breast Cancer Awareness Month.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month 
                of October 1994, as National Breast Cancer Awareness 
                Month. I invite the Governors of the 50 States and the 
                Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Mayor of the District 
                of Columbia, and the appropriate officials of all other 
                areas under the American flag to issue similar 
                proclamations. I also ask health care professionals, 
                members of private industry, community groups, 
                insurance companies, and all other interested 
                organizations and individuals to unite in reaffirming 
                our Nation's continuing commitment to controlling 
                breast cancer.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and nineteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-25673
Filed 10-12-94; 4:48 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P