[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 172 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52829-52830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22811]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 172 / Friday, September 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 52829]]


                Proclamation 7700 of September 1, 2003

                
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Prostate cancer is the second most common form of 
                cancer among men in the United States. This year alone, 
                it is estimated that more than 220,000 new cases of 
                prostate cancer will be diagnosed and that nearly 
                29,000 men will die from this disease. During National 
                Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we seek to increase 
                understanding about the risk factors of prostate 
                cancer, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and the 
                benefits of detecting the disease in its earliest 
                stages, when it is most treatable.

                Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, 
                several factors have been found to increase the risk of 
                developing this disease. Men aged 65 years or older 
                make up about 70 percent of all diagnosed prostate 
                cancer cases. In addition, a man's risk of developing 
                prostate cancer doubles if a father or brother has been 
                diagnosed with the disease.

                Making healthy choices is critical to prevent prostate 
                cancer and many other diseases. Research suggests that 
                some men may be able to reduce their risk of prostate 
                cancer by eating healthy foods and exercising on a 
                regular basis.

                Early detection is important in successfully treating 
                prostate cancer. Preventative screenings can reveal a 
                man's current health status and identify whether he 
                needs to adjust his diet or behavior. I urge men, 
                particularly those over 50, to learn more about the 
                disease and to talk to their doctors about when to 
                start preventative screening. Healthcare providers can 
                advise men as to which tests are most appropriate. 
                Through early detection and treatment, we can reduce 
                the number of deaths caused by prostate cancer.

                Today, our Nation is on the leading edge of new 
                discoveries. As we continue to make advancements in 
                medicine, my Administration remains committed to 
                learning the causes of prostate cancer and finding a 
                cure. My fiscal year 2004 budget proposal includes more 
                than $13 million for the Centers for Disease Control 
                and Prevention to conduct, support, and promote efforts 
                that increase awareness of screening and early 
                detection, and more than $5.6 billion for cancer 
                research at the National Institutes of Health. Through 
                my HealthierUS Initiative, my Administration is also 
                encouraging all citizens to lead healthier lives by 
                eating right, exercising, and taking advantage of 
                preventative screening. By working together, we will 
                improve our ability to prevent, treat, and cure 
                prostate 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 2003 as National 
                Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government 
                officials, businesses, communities, healthcare 
                professionals, educators, volunteers, and all people of 
                the United States to reaffirm our Nation's strong and 
                continuing commitment to prevent, treat, and cure 
                prostate cancer.

[[Page 52830]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-22811
Filed 9-4-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P