[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 46507-46508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-22474]



[[Page 46505]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 7459--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2001
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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 5, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 46507]]

                Proclamation 7459 of August 30, 2001

                
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Ovarian cancer, the deadliest of the gynecologic 
                cancers, is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths 
                among women in the United States. Experts predict that 
                more than 23,000 cases will be diagnosed in 2001, with 
                an estimated 13,900 women dying from the disease this 
                year.

                Ovarian cancer is very treatable when detected early, 
                but only 25 percent of ovarian cancer cases in the 
                United States are diagnosed in the early stages. The 
                vast majority of cases are not diagnosed until the 
                cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, often because 
                symptoms are easily confused with other diseases and 
                because no reliable, easily administered screening tool 
                exists.

                When the disease is diagnosed in advanced stages, the 
                chance of 5-year survival is only about 25 percent. 
                Currently, 50 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian 
                cancer die from it within 5 years. Among African-
                American women, only 48 percent survive 5 years or 
                more.

                Early detection of this disease remains the best way to 
                save women's lives. Symptoms may include abdominal 
                pressure or bloating, persistent digestive problems, 
                excessive fatigue, and sometimes abnormal bleeding. 
                Women also should be aware that risk factors are higher 
                for those who are over 50 years of age, who have a 
                personal or family history of ovarian, breast, or colon 
                cancer, and who have not borne a child.

                National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month serves as an 
                important time to recognize Federally funded research 
                efforts by the National Cancer Institute, the Centers 
                for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department 
                of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program. Their work 
                has achieved great strides, and my Administration is 
                committed to continuing funding of research that will 
                decrease the high mortality from ovarian cancer and 
                ultimately prevent the disease. At the same time, the 
                medical community and nonprofit groups are working 
                together to create more awareness about the disease and 
                spotlight the need for continued research into 
                prevention, early detection tools, advanced therapies, 
                and possible cures.

                During this special observance, I commend the 
                scientists, physicians, and other medical and health 
                professionals who are working to advance knowledge and 
                understanding of ovarian cancer. I also encourage all 
                Americans to learn more about the disease and the 
                importance of early detection. Doing so can save lives 
                and protect the health and well-being of countless 
                women.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 as National 
                Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon the people 
                of the United States to observe this month with 
                appropriate programs and activities.

[[Page 46508]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-22474
Filed 9-4-01; 9:52 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P