[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 11095-11096]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04871]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 11095]]


                Proclamation 9401 of February 29, 2016

                
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every year, more than 130,000 Americans are diagnosed 
                with colorectal cancer, and it kills nearly 50,000--
                making it the second leading cause of cancer deaths in 
                the United States. Colorectal cancer touches too many, 
                and together, we must work to lift up those who have 
                been affected by it and all who remain vulnerable to 
                it. This month, as we remember the loved ones we have 
                lost and lift up those who continue to fight colorectal 
                cancer, we strive to save lives by raising awareness of 
                this disease and encouraging everyone to take measures 
                to prevent it.

                Although age, obesity, and certain genetic mutations 
                can increase risk of colorectal cancer, all Americans 
                should be aware of its risk factors, which include 
                being physically inactive, having an unhealthy diet, 
                smoking cigarettes, and consuming alcohol in excess. 
                People who have had inflammatory bowel disease or who 
                have a family history of colorectal cancer may also be 
                at particularly high risk. While people of all ages 
                should consult a physician about their susceptibility, 
                individuals between ages 50 and 75 are encouraged to 
                get regular screenings. Symptoms such as blood in 
                stool, persistent stomach pains, and inexplicable 
                weight loss can be present, but sometimes no symptoms 
                occur, which is why early detection and treatment are 
                key for battling colorectal cancer. I urge all people 
                to visit www.Cancer.gov for more information, including 
                early warning signs and tips for prevention.

                I am committed to combating all forms of cancer--
                including colorectal cancer--and to reaching a future 
                when no family knows the pain cancer causes. Earlier 
                this year, I announced a new initiative led by Vice 
                President Joe Biden: a national effort to put the 
                United States on a path to becoming the country that 
                finally cures cancer once and for all--aiming within 5 
                years to make critical advances that may have otherwise 
                taken more than a decade to achieve. And we have 
                already proposed a $1 billion initiative to kick off 
                this critical work. The Affordable Care Act now 
                requires health care plans to cover certain recommended 
                preventive services, including many screening tests for 
                cancer, at no additional cost--an important provision 
                that helps ensure more people can access critical 
                tests. It also prohibits insurance companies from 
                charging more for pre-existing conditions, including 
                cancer. While work remains to be done to confront the 
                challenges posed by colorectal cancer, we have made 
                great progress in fighting it and informing people of 
                its dangers.

                All people deserve to lead long, happy, and healthy 
                lives, and nobody should be robbed of that promise due 
                to the devastating impacts of colorectal cancer. During 
                National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, let us 
                honor the legacy of those we have lost to this cancer 
                by spreading awareness of it, uplifting all who live 
                with it, and pledging our full talent, resources, and 
                will to defeating it.

                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 2016 as

[[Page 11096]]

                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.

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

[FR Doc. 2016-04871
Filed 3-2-16; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P