[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 195 (Friday, October 8, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62297-62298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25572]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62297]]


                Proclamation 8572 of October 1, 2010

                
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                While considerable progress has been made in the fight 
                against breast cancer, it remains the most frequently 
                diagnosed type of non-skin cancer and the second 
                leading cause of cancer deaths among women in our 
                country. This year alone, over 200,000 Americans will 
                be diagnosed and nearly 40,000 lives will be claimed. 
                During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we 
                reaffirm our commitment to supporting breast cancer 
                research, and to educating all Americans about its risk 
                factors, detection, and treatment. As we display pink 
                ribbons on our lapels, offices, and storefronts, we 
                also support those courageously fighting breast cancer 
                and honor the lives lost to this devastating disease.

                Thanks to earlier detection and better treatments, 
                mortality rates for breast cancer have steadily 
                decreased in the last decade. To advance the life-
                saving research that has breathed promise into 
                countless lives, the National Institutes of Health, the 
                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the 
                Department of Defense are investing hundreds of 
                millions of dollars annually in breast cancer research 
                and related programs. Through funding from the Recovery 
                Act, the National Cancer Institute is also conducting 
                and supporting research and training projects, as well 
                as distributing health information, to help Americans 
                with breast cancer and health care providers face this 
                disease.

                Knowing what may contribute to breast cancer is an 
                important part of its prevention. Risk factors for 
                breast cancer include family and personal history, 
                radiation therapy to the chest for previous cancers, 
                obesity, and certain genetic changes. Being cognizant 
                of these possible risk factors, as well as maintaining 
                a healthy body weight and balanced diet, exercising 
                regularly, and getting regular screenings, may help 
                lower the chances of developing breast cancer. I 
                encourage all women and men to talk with their health 
                care provider about their risks and what they can do to 
                mitigate them, and to visit Cancer.gov to learn about 
                the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of breast and 
                other cancers.

                Screenings and early detection are also essential 
                components in the fight against breast cancer. For 
                women ages 40 and over, regular mammograms and clinical 
                breast exams by health care providers every one to two 
                years are the most effective ways to find breast cancer 
                early, when it may be easier to treat. Women at higher 
                risk of breast cancer should discuss with their health 
                care providers whether they need mammograms before age 
                40, as well as how often to have them. Regular 
                mammograms, followed by timely treatment when breast 
                cancer is diagnosed, can help improve the chances of 
                surviving this disease.

                In order to detect breast cancer early, we must ensure 
                all women can access these important screenings. The 
                Affordable Care Act, which I was proud to sign into law 
                earlier this year, requires all new health insurance 
                policies to cover recommended preventive services 
                without any additional cost, including annual 
                mammography screenings for women over age 40.

[[Page 62298]]

                 The Affordable Care Act will also ensure that people 
                who have been diagnosed with breast cancer cannot be 
                excluded from coverage for a pre-existing condition or 
                charged higher premiums.

                During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we stand 
                with our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, and 
                we recognize all who have joined their loved ones in 
                fighting their battle, as well as the advocates, 
                researchers, and health care providers whose care and 
                hard work gives hope to those living with breast 
                cancer. By educating ourselves and supporting 
                innovative research, we will improve the quality of 
                life for all Americans affected by breast cancer and, 
                one day, defeat this terrible disease.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as 
                National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage 
                citizens, Government agencies, private businesses, 
                nonprofit organizations, and all other interested 
                groups to join in activities that will increase 
                awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and 
                control breast cancer.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-25572
Filed 10-7-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P