[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 6, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 56031-56032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-27989]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 6, 2001 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 56031]]
Proclamation 7492 of November 1, 2001
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2001
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
By observing National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,
we recognize the often devastating effects prostate
cancer has on the lives of the more than 1 million
American men currently suffering from it; and we commit
ourselves to finding a cure for this disease. Prostate
cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in
America, excepting skin cancer. And it is the second
leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the
United States. This year, almost 200,000 men will be
diagnosed with prostate cancer, and over 31,000 will
die from this disease.
Although the survival rate for those diagnosed with
prostate cancer continues to rise, this disease
nevertheless remains a serious threat to the health and
well-being of all American men. Research shows that one
out of every six men will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer sometime during their lifetime.
By increasing awareness about the causes and signs of
prostate cancer and by expanding research into
preventative, remedial, and curative therapies, we can
save more lives, improve the lives of those suffering
from this cancer, and reduce its incidence in America.
All men of middle age, and particularly those above the
age of 50, should learn the risk factors, symptoms, and
diagnostic tools that can help with the early
recognition of prostate cancer, when treatment is most
successful. It is important to consult a physician
about available screening for prostate cancer,
including digital examinations and prostate specific
antigen blood tests. These techniques aid doctors in
the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, and they are
essential to continuing the reduction of prostate
cancer death rates.
As with most other forms of cancer, modern medical
research has produced promising new treatment options
for prostate cancer that have greatly increased the
likelihood of survival after diagnosis. However, much
still remains to be learned about the causes and cures
of prostate cancer, and I applaud the work of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in this
area. My Administration also supports increasing
Federal funding for programs that promote awareness,
improve prevention, and expand research by the National
Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
These research programs obtain important
epidemiological data, develop prostate cancer awareness
among the public and throughout the health care
community, and serve as proving grounds for new
prostate cancer treatments. Charitable organizations
and the private sector also play important roles in
advancing public awareness about the need for prostate
cancer screening and research, and in serving as a
therapeutic resource for those suffering from prostate
cancer.
On this occasion, I commend the scientists, physicians,
and other health professionals who are committed to
achieving success in our struggle against prostate
cancer. I call on all those potentially vulnerable to
this disease to support this effort by taking
preventative measures such as observing
[[Page 56032]]
a healthy lifestyle, talking to your doctor about
regular screenings, and building awareness of prostate
cancer. By working together, we will find new therapies
to aid those living with prostate cancer, increase
awareness about its causes and symptoms, and, I hope,
eventually find a cure for this deadly disease.
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 November 2001 as National
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government
officials, businesses, communities, health care
professionals, educators, volunteers, and all the
people of the United States to publicly reaffirm our
Nation's strong and continuing commitment to control
and cure prostate cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of November, 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. 01-27989
Filed 11-5-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P