[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 174 (Thursday, September 8, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62349-62350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21817]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 174 / Thursday, September 8, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62349]]


                Proclamation 9484 of September 1, 2016

                
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Causing more deaths than any other female reproductive 
                system cancers, ovarian cancer affects women of all 
                ages and backgrounds. But the incidence of ovarian 
                cancer, and its death rate, have fallen in recent 
                years. Today, cancer research is on the cusp of major 
                breakthroughs, and it is of critical national 
                importance that we accelerate this progress and keep 
                reaching for prevention, treatment, and a cure. Each 
                September, in honor of the women who have been taken by 
                ovarian cancer and the brave individuals still fighting 
                this disease, we reaffirm our commitment to carrying 
                forward this important work.

                It is estimated that more than 22,000 American women 
                will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and 
                due to a lack of effective screening tests and early 
                warning signs, many of these cases will be caught at an 
                advanced stage--making the cancer more difficult to 
                treat, with a lower chance for recovery. Ovarian cancer 
                is more common among older women and those who have it 
                in their family history, but because most women are 
                diagnosed without being at high risk, it is crucial 
                that all women consult with their health care providers 
                when experiencing some of its symptoms, which include 
                pressure, swelling, and abdominal pain. I encourage 
                everyone to visit www.Cancer.gov/Ovarian to learn more 
                about the signs and symptoms of this disease.

                Under the Affordable Care Act, annual and lifetime 
                limits on insurance coverage have been eliminated, and 
                critical preventive services like well-woman visits--
                which are now available without a copay or deductible--
                have been expanded for millions more women. The Act 
                also prohibits insurance companies from denying 
                coverage based on a pre-existing condition, including 
                cancer, or from denying coverage due to a family 
                history of cancer.

                Earlier this year, I announced a new national effort to 
                cure cancer. Led by Vice President Joe Biden, the White 
                House Cancer Moonshot Task Force is promoting research 
                efforts and breaking down barriers to progress to 
                eliminate cancer as we know it. With the help of a 
                nearly $1 billion initiative to jumpstart this work, we 
                are harnessing the spirit of American innovation to 
                identify new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat 
                cancer. The Task Force builds on the important work 
                that Federal agencies have already been doing 
                throughout my time in office to fight ovarian cancer. 
                The Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research 
                Program is supporting high-impact, cutting-edge 
                research where it is needed most and has helped push 
                these research priorities forward. And the Centers for 
                Disease Control and Prevention has striven to raise 
                awareness of the main types of gynecologic cancer, 
                including ovarian cancer, and to encourage women to 
                learn of warning signs and seek medical care.

                For the mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, and 
                families who face the pain and heartache of ovarian 
                cancer, we must make America the country that cures 
                cancer once and for all. During National Ovarian Cancer 
                Awareness Month, as we recognize those in the medical 
                community who work tirelessly to provide treatment and 
                care and pay tribute to those who have lost their

[[Page 62350]]

                lives to this disease, let us resolve to increase 
                awareness of ovarian cancer and shape a cancer-free 
                future.

                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 September 2016 as 
                National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon 
                citizens, government agencies, organizations, health 
                care providers, and research institutions to raise 
                ovarian cancer awareness and continue helping Americans 
                live longer, healthier lives.

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

[FR Doc. 2016-21817
Filed 9-7-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P