[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 10645-10646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-5370]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 10645]]


                Proclamation 7650 of February 28, 2003

                
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Colorectal cancer touches the lives of many Americans. 
                This year, it is estimated that more than 148,000 new 
                cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed. More than 
                56,000 people may die from this disease, making it a 
                leading cause of cancer death in our Nation. We have 
                achieved great progress in understanding what causes 
                colorectal cancer, and how it develops and spreads. 
                This fourth national observance once again helps 
                increase awareness. Increased awareness can help us 
                reach my Administration's goal, known as ``Healthy 
                People 2010,'' administered by the Department of Health 
                and Human Services, to reduce the rate of colorectal 
                cancer deaths by 34 percent by the year 2010.

                Like many cancers, the development of colorectal cancer 
                can take many years. Screening is an important tool to 
                help detect colorectal cancer early by identifying 
                precancerous growths or polyps, when treatment is more 
                likely to be successful.

                More than 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with 
                colorectal cancer are over the age of 50. Yet, recent 
                data indicates that less than 40 percent of adults age 
                50 or older have had one of the available colorectal 
                cancer screening tests within recommended intervals. 
                Researchers estimate that if everyone age 50 or older 
                received regular colorectal cancer screenings, at least 
                one-third of the deaths would be prevented.

                Individuals must realize the importance of talking with 
                their healthcare providers about when to begin 
                screening, which tests to have, the benefits and risks 
                of each test, and how often to schedule appointments. 
                To help our citizens detect this disease, the Centers 
                for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides 
                Medicare coverage for regular colorectal cancer 
                screening tests to help detect precancerous conditions 
                or colorectal cancer early.

                The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the 
                National Institutes of Health, is the Nation's 
                principal research agency in the fight against 
                colorectal cancer. The NCI invested approximately $245 
                million in 2002, and it will dedicate an estimated $267 
                million this year to advance our understanding of this 
                disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
                (CDC) also plays an important role in our efforts to 
                save lives and reduce the burden of colorectal cancer. 
                Last year, the CDC allocated $12 million to educate the 
                public and health professionals about colorectal cancer 
                screening, and to conduct and support research efforts 
                related to increasing national colorectal cancer 
                screening rates.

                The CDC, CMS, and NCI are participating together in the 
                Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action 
                Campaign to educate Americans aged 50 and older, 
                particularly minority groups, about the benefits of 
                colorectal cancer screening. Another coordinated effort 
                is the Health Disparities Collaboratives, a public-
                private partnership that involves the Health Resources 
                and Services Administration, CDC, NCI, and the 
                Institute for Healthcare Improvement. These groups are 
                focusing on screening and follow-up care for people who 
                traditionally lack access to quality health care.

[[Page 10646]]

                During this month, I encourage Americans to join me in 
                the crucial effort to save lives by taking action 
                against colorectal cancer by talking with healthcare 
                providers about screening, telling friends and family 
                members about the importance of early detection, and 
                providing support for those diagnosed with colorectal 
                cancer. By working together to increase awareness and 
                supporting research about this disease, we can make a 
                difference in the lives of our citizens and people 
                around the world.

                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 2003 as National 
                Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon all 
                Americans to reaffirm our Nation's continuing 
                commitment to controlling and curing colorectal cancer.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-5370
Filed 3-4-03; 9:11 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P