[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 59 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 14887-14888]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-07532]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 59 / Thursday, March 27, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 14887]]

                Proclamation 7655 of March 24, 2003

                
Cancer Control Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Millions of Americans are winning the fight against 
                cancer, but much work remains. More than 3,500 
                Americans are diagnosed with cancer each day, and more 
                than 45,000 will die from the disease this month. Yet, 
                experts believe that half of all cancer deaths are 
                preventable. With exercise, nutrition, and healthy 
                behavior, we can help prevent this deadly disease and 
                save lives. During Cancer Control Month, we renew our 
                commitment to over coming cancer by learning more about 
                its prevention and early detection.

                To protect against disease, Americans can make smart 
                choices that will lead to longer, healthier lives. A 
                critical step that Americans can take to improve their 
                health and reduce the risk of cancer is to avoid the 
                use of tobacco. Also, avoiding excessive drinking and 
                sun exposure can help guard against cancer and help 
                ensure better health.

                Improvements in diet and fitness can help prevent many 
                serious health problems. A diet rich in fruits and 
                vegetables and regular physical activity help protect 
                us from illness and can add years to our lives. 
                Research suggests that we can decrease the number of 
                cancer deaths in America by one-third simply by 
                changing our diets and getting more exercise.

                Preventative health screening is vital to early 
                detection and treatment of cancer. Regular screening 
                can save lives and enhances the well-being of our 
                Nation. Screening can detect many forms of cancer at 
                earlier, less dangerous stages, allowing patients to 
                seek treatment and defeat the cancer before it spreads. 
                I urge all Americans to talk to their doctors about 
                when to start preventative screening and how often to 
                schedule appointments.

                Our Nation's investment in cancer prevention and 
                research is making a difference, and recent medical 
                discoveries offer hope to many Americans. The National 
                Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently sponsoring more 
                than 60 clinical trials on cancer prevention and 
                screening. One major clinical trial for men and women 
                at risk for lung cancer began this year, and is 
                investigating the most effective method of detecting 
                lung cancer in order to reduce deaths from this 
                devastating disease.

                As part of my HealthierUS Initiative and my 
                Administration's ongoing commitment to helping the 
                American people live healthier lives, I encourage all 
                Americans to eat right, get more exercise, and take 
                advantage of preventative screening. To learn more 
                about ways to prevent cancer, you can talk to your 
                doctor or contact the NCI's Cancer Information Service 
                at 1-800-4-CANCER or visit its Internet address at 
                http://www.cancer.gov. Through healthy lifestyles, a 
                better understanding of this disease, and new 
                technology, I believe we will achieve a victory over 
                cancer.

                In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a 
                joint resolution (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103) as 
                amended, requesting the President to issue an annual 
                proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer Control 
                Month.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 2003 
                as Cancer Control Month. I

[[Page 14888]]

                encourage concerned citizens, government agencies, 
                private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other 
                interested groups to join in activities that will 
                increase awareness of measures all Americans can take 
                to prevent and control cancer.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fourth day of March, 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. 03-07532
Filed 3-26-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P