[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 10315]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-5507]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 44 / Wednesday, March 6, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 10315]]


                Proclamation 7527 of March 2, 2002

                
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                This year, more than 148,000 people will be diagnosed 
                with colorectal cancer, and more than 56,000 people 
                will die from this disease. Colorectal cancer is the 
                second leading cause of cancer-related death in the 
                United States, yet it is one of the most highly 
                preventable forms of cancer. Early diagnosis is 
                critical to survival. Research shows that 91 percent of 
                patients with localized colorectal cancer survive for 5 
                years after diagnosis, yet only 37 percent of all 
                diagnoses occur at this stage. The remaining 63 percent 
                of cases are not discovered until the disease has 
                spread throughout the body.

                Because 75 percent of new cases occur in persons with 
                no known risk factors, regular colorectal cancer 
                screenings are crucial to prevention. Even for an 
                individual without symptoms, screenings are extremely 
                important. For those over 50 and for individuals with a 
                family history of cancer, screenings should be 
                scheduled on a regular basis. I am pleased to note that 
                Medicare coverage for colonoscopies was expanded in 
                2001 to provide this screening to more beneficiaries, 
                and many commercial health plans now cover this cost.

                Many people avoid colorectal cancer screening due to 
                fear or anxiety, however, it is important for all 
                Americans to understand the importance of this routine 
                procedure. During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness 
                Month, I encourage all Americans to learn more about 
                this disease, to assist prevention efforts, and to 
                recognize the importance of colorectal screenings.

                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 March 2002 as National 
                Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon all 
                Americans to take appropriate measures to protect 
                themselves and their loved ones from this disease.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-5507
Filed 3-5-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P