[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 182 (Tuesday, September 21, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51185-51186]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-24782]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 182 / Tuesday, September 21, 1999 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 51185]]


                Proclamation 7223 of September 17, 1999

                
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week, 1999

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease that takes the 
                lives of thousands of women in our Nation each year. 
                Since 1985, there has been a dramatic increase in the 
                incidence of ovarian cancer, with a 30 percent increase 
                in the number of women diagnosed with the disease and 
                an 18 percent increase in the number of fatalities. 
                Ovarian cancer is particularly deadly, killing nearly 
                15,000 women each year. It is often not diagnosed until 
                the cancer is in the late stages of development, 
                limiting the effectiveness of treatment and reducing 
                the chances of survival. In its late stages, the 
                chances of survival from ovarian cancer are just 25 
                percent; when it is detected early, before the cancer 
                spreads, the survival rate exceeds 90 percent.

                Our most effective weapon in the battle against ovarian 
                cancer is early detection. Subtle but recognizable 
                symptoms, such as bloating, vague abdominal pain and 
                discomfort, gastrointestinal problems, back pain, and 
                fatigue can also be symptoms of other less serious 
                illnesses, but women who are experiencing such early 
                warning signs should consult their doctors immediately 
                for appropriate tests.

                Doctors and researchers have identified factors that 
                put women at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, 
                including a family history of breast and ovarian 
                cancer, a high fat diet, never having had children, or 
                infertility. It is vital that women learn about risk 
                factors and visit their doctors regularly.

                As we observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week, let us 
                build on our efforts to eradicate this serious disease 
                and urge all American women and their families to learn 
                more about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, and available 
                methods that may reduce the risk of developing it. By 
                increasing awareness of early warning signs and risk 
                factors, maintaining a healthy diet, and consulting 
                regularly with health care professionals, women across 
                America can lead healthier and longer lives and help 
                our Nation win the fight against ovarian cancer.

                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 19 through 
                September 25, 1999, as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week. I 
                encourage the American people to observe this week with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 51186]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 99-24782
Filed 9-20-99; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P