[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 45 (Friday, March 7, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 12931-12932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-05076]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 45 / Friday, March 7, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 12931]]


                Proclamation 9085 of February 28, 2014

                
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United 
                States, colorectal cancer claims more than 50,000 
                American lives each year. Because the odds of survival 
                rise dramatically when this cancer is caught early, 
                calling attention to it can save lives. During National 
                Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we aim to improve 
                public understanding of risk factors and screening 
                recommendations, reach for better treatments, and set 
                our sights on a cure.

                While anyone can get colorectal cancer, the risk 
                increases with age. Nine out of ten cases occur in 
                people over 50 years old, and the likelihood is also 
                greater for people of African-American or Eastern 
                European descent and those with inflammatory bowel 
                disease or a family history of colorectal cancer. 
                Symptoms can include stomach pain, aches, or cramps 
                that do not go away and weight loss without a known 
                cause. Yet many cases have no symptoms, especially 
                early on, when it can be prevented or more effectively 
                treated. That is why it is crucial for people of all 
                ages to discuss colorectal cancer with their doctors 
                and those at risk or between ages 50 and 75 to get 
                regular screenings.

                My Administration is funding research to improve 
                prevention and treatment, and to identify the best ways 
                to promote colorectal cancer screening. We are also 
                working to ensure screenings and treatment are 
                available and affordable for all. The Centers for 
                Disease Control and Prevention funds programs that 
                provide these tests to underserved, at-risk Americans. 
                And under the Affordable Care Act, most health 
                insurance plans cover recommended preventive services, 
                including colorectal cancer screening for adults ages 
                50 to 75, at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. 
                Thanks to the health care law, insurance companies can 
                no longer put annual or lifetime dollar caps on 
                essential health benefits or discriminate against 
                people with pre-existing conditions. Americans have 
                their first chance to sign up for affordable, high 
                quality coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace 
                through open enrollment until March 31st, and annually 
                going forward.

                Everyone has a role to play in reducing deaths from 
                colorectal cancer. This month, I encourage Americans to 
                talk to at-risk parents, grandparents, or friends of 
                all ages about getting screened. If we look out for one 
                another, we can better the chances of survival and keep 
                more families whole.

                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 March 2014 as 
                National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage 
                all citizens, government agencies, private businesses, 
                non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in 
                activities that will increase awareness and prevention 
                of colorectal cancer.

[[Page 12932]]

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

[FR Doc. 2014-05076
Filed 3-6-14; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F4