[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 2, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 14603-14604]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-8254]
[[Page 14601]]
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Part III
The President
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Proclamation 6875--Cancer Control Month, 1996
Proclamation 6876--Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 1996
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 2, 1996 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
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Proclamation 6875 of March 29, 1996
Cancer Control Month, 1996
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Research and the prompt application of research results
have proved to be the strongest weapons we have against
cancer. And we are making great strides in the study of
this deadly disease. Indeed, the understanding of the
processes by which a normal cell is transformed into a
cancer cell is one of the great achievements of cancer
research. Genetic studies are leading to better
understanding of many cancers and improving our ability
to intervene and stop their spread. While the
implications of some findings are still unclear, we
know that further progress hinges on continued
scientific inquiry, and we understand that basic
research must remain a national priority. In addition,
all of us can act on information already at hand to
make lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of
developing cancer.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in
the United States and contributed to nearly one-third
of all cancer deaths in our Nation last year. In
addition to causing 400,000 deaths, smoking left others
living with cancer, respiratory illness, heart disease,
and other illnesses. Despite the clear link between
smoking and these illnesses and deaths, each day 3,000
young Americans begin to smoke--a habit that will
shorten the lives of 1,000 of them. We must address
this problem. That is why the Food and Drug
Administration proposed ways to limit young people's
access to tobacco, as well as ways to limit the
advertising that is so appealing to our youth. That is
also why this Administration published the Synar
regulation--to ensure that States have and enforce laws
prohibiting sales of tobacco to young people.
Scientific evidence has also led to an increased
understanding of the links between the foods we eat and
certain types of cancer. By reducing dietary fat,
increasing fiber intake, consuming a variety of fruits
and vegetables, and avoiding obesity, every American
can take steps to reduce the risk of cancer. The
National Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the
food industry, sponsors ``5 A Day For Better Health,''
a national program that encourages people to eat five
or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. And
researchers continue to investigate nutrition programs
that may have the potential to prevent cancer.
Mammography is another resource that can make a vital
contribution to cancer control efforts, helping doctors
detect breast tumors at an early, more treatable stage.
Indeed, 93 percent of all women diagnosed with early
breast cancer this year will live 5 years or longer.
Recognizing the importance of this diagnostic tool,
third-party reimbursement for mammograms is on the
rise, and Medicare covers most of the cost of screening
mammography for women over the age of 65. I encourage
State governments, insurance providers, medical
facilities, and employers to develop policies that
improve women's access to this life-saving, affordable
procedure.
In another step forward, the Food and Drug
Administration has proposed changing its review process
for new cancer therapies. This new approach will
shorten development time by several years, and the FDA
is also cutting its own review time in half--from a
year to about 6 months. All of these changes mean new
therapies will be available sooner and will be
accessible
[[Page 14604]]
to more of our Nation's cancer patients. The FDA's
initiative could immediately affect at least 100 drugs
now being studied--with dozens of them getting to the
market sooner--and improve the lives of millions of
Americans who can take advantage of those therapies.
To publicize these advances and options, the National
Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service helps
patients, health professionals, and the public in all
50 States and Puerto Rico. Toll-free telephone service
provides accurate, up-to-date information about
prevention and detection methods, diagnosis, treatment,
rehabilitation, and research. In addition, the CIS'
outreach system has developed partnerships with other
cancer organizations and Federal, State, and local
health agencies to promote cancer education initiatives
aimed at medically underserved and other special
populations.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National
Cancer Act, which expanded and intensified America's
efforts to stop cancer. We can take pride in the gains
that have been made toward this goal during the past
quarter-century, but we must also remember the
essential work that remains. As we observe Cancer
Control Month, let us renew and strengthen our abiding
commitment to controlling and eliminating this disease
so that our children and grandchildren can lead longer,
healthier lives.
In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a
joint resolution requesting the President to issue an
annual proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer Control
Month.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim April
1996, as Cancer Control 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
call upon health care professionals, private industry,
community groups, insurance companies, and all
interested organizations and individuals to unite in
support of our Nation's determined efforts to control
cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twentieth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 96-8254
Filed 4-1-96; 10:54 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P