[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 172 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 56745-56746]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-22748]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 172 / Thursday, September 5, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 56745]]

                Proclamation 7587 of August 30, 2002

                
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 
                Americans renew their commitment to learning more about 
                the causes of this deadly disease, so that we can 
                detect it early and treat it effectively.

                Ovarian cancer continues to cause more deaths than any 
                other cancer of the female reproductive system. It is 
                estimated that this year alone, more than 23,000 women 
                in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian 
                cancer, and that almost 14,000 women will die from this 
                disease. In cases where ovarian cancer is found and 
                treated in its earliest stages, the 5-year survival 
                rate is 95 percent. However, most women who suffer from 
                this cancer are not diagnosed until it has become more 
                advanced, because their symptoms may be easily confused 
                with other diseases. Since early detection and 
                treatment can often mean the difference between life 
                and death, developing an effective screening test is a 
                great priority.

                Scientists have identified specific substances in the 
                blood that may help indicate whether a woman has 
                ovarian cancer before she shows any symptoms. 
                Additionally, researchers at the National Cancer 
                Institute and the Food and Drug Administration have 
                been working to develop a new type of blood test that 
                may be able to diagnose this disease, and eventually 
                help save the lives of millions of women. By analyzing 
                protein patterns in a single drop of blood, this test 
                was able to recognize ovarian cancer in both its early 
                and late stages. I join thousands of American women and 
                their families in hoping that this promising research 
                will help us in overcoming this terrible disease.

                By increasing awareness of ovarian cancer and its 
                causes, we can better prepare women who face the threat 
                of this illness. Researchers have learned that age, 
                alterations in genes, and certain hormonal and 
                reproductive factors are linked to ovarian cancer risk. 
                Women and their doctors should weigh all the risks and 
                benefits of different therapies and make informed 
                choices about health care.

                I commend the strength and courage of the women who 
                persevere in the face of this serious illness, and I 
                encourage our scientists and researchers to redouble 
                their efforts to find more effective prevention, 
                diagnostic, and treatment strategies to combat ovarian 
                cancer. Additionally, I urge those who suffer from this 
                cancer, and those who may be at risk, to talk with 
                their healthcare providers about participating in 
                clinical trials for new medical therapies designed to 
                combat ovarian cancer. By taking part in these clinical 
                trials, you can make important contributions to the 
                knowledge of this disease and benefit from cutting edge 
                medical research. As we increase awareness of ovarian 
                cancer and advance in our research, we can help bring 
                hope to our citizens and draw closer to winning the war 
                on cancer.

                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 2002 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 56746]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-22748
Filed 9-4-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P