[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 49411-49412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24945]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 179 / Wednesday, September 16, 1998 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 49411]]

                Proclamation 7120 of September 12, 1998

                
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week, 1998

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                We have many weapons at hand in our war against cancer, 
                and among the most effective is early diagnosis. With 
                ovarian cancer in particular--sometimes called the 
                ``silent killer'' because it shows no obvious signs or 
                symptoms until late in its development--early diagnosis 
                can mean the difference between life and death. Of the 
                estimated 26,000 American women who were diagnosed with 
                ovarian cancer last year, an estimated 14,000 died. 
                Currently, almost 70 percent of women with ovarian 
                cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is in its 
                advanced stages; in many cases, the cancer has already 
                spread by the time it is discovered.

                We know relatively little about why some women develop 
                this deadly disease. While every woman is at risk, we 
                do know that ovarian cancer occurs somewhat more 
                frequently in women who have never been pregnant. Women 
                who have had breast cancer or who have a family history 
                of breast or ovarian cancer are also at increased risk. 
                There are other genetic factors as well that can affect 
                the incidence of ovarian cancer.

                We do have hope in our fight against this cancer. 
                Scientists at medical centers and hospitals across our 
                Nation are developing significant new information that 
                holds promise for the future, particularly for research 
                in genetic susceptibility and prevention, diagnostic 
                imaging, screening and diagnosis, and treatment. For 
                example, because of their knowledge about the ovarian 
                cancer risk genes, researchers are now able to work on 
                developing prevention and screening with women in 
                families at high risk. Researchers are also making 
                progress in the area of treatment through improvements 
                in existing chemotherapy regimens.

                While we take heart from these promising developments, 
                we also recognize the need for an increased awareness 
                and understanding of ovarian cancer. As we observe 
                Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week and affirm our national 
                commitment to fighting this devastating disease, I 
                encourage all American women and their families to 
                learn more about ovarian cancer, and I urge health care 
                professionals to emphasize to their patients the 
                importance of regular examinations. By doing so, we can 
                build on the progress we have made in our crusade 
                against cancer and ensure healthier, longer lives for 
                women.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim September 13 through 
                September 19, 1998, as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week. I 
                encourage the American people to observe this week with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 49412]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 98-24945
Filed 9-15-98; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P