[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2022)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 11927-11928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04613]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2022 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 11927]]


                Proclamation 10344 of February 28, 2022

                
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2022

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Cancer is personal to nearly every family, including my 
                own. Each year, more than 50,000 families across the 
                country lose a loved one to colorectal cancer--the 
                fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause 
                of cancer deaths in America. The toll it exacts is 
                immeasurable, but when we detect colorectal cancer 
                early, we can save lives and deliver hope. During 
                National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we raise 
                awareness of this dreaded disease and renew our 
                commitment to ending cancer as we know it.

                While anyone can be afflicted by colorectal cancer, we 
                know that this illness strikes at a disproportionate 
                rate among Black Americans as well as Americans over 
                the age of 50. Getting regular screenings and 
                identifying symptoms and risk factors are both pivotal 
                to saving lives. According to the Centers for Disease 
                Control and Prevention, symptoms such as blood in the 
                stool, a change in bowel habits, stomach pain, 
                bloating, cramps that do not go away, or weight loss 
                without a known cause should be discussed with a health 
                care provider. However, early stages of colorectal 
                cancer often emerge without symptoms, and it is 
                important to begin regular screenings starting at the 
                age of 45.

                In addition, people who smoke, consume alcohol, or are 
                obese are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal 
                cancer. Adopting healthy behaviors--including quitting 
                the use of tobacco products, reducing alcohol 
                consumption, and eating meals that include fruits, 
                vegetables, and whole grains--can also reduce your 
                risk. For more information on risk factors, please 
                visit www.Cancer.gov.

                I believe that it is within our power to end cancer as 
                we know it. That is why I have re-ignited the Cancer 
                Moonshot and set new ambitious goals, to reduce the 
                death rate from cancer by 50 percent over the next 25 
                years and to improve the lives of people and their 
                families living with and surviving cancer. I have 
                called on the Congress to create the Advanced Research 
                Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), which will invest 
                billions of dollars to advance breakthroughs in the 
                prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer and 
                other deadly diseases. As we continue to pursue game-
                changing scientific breakthroughs, my Administration 
                also remains steadfast in our commitment to increasing 
                colorectal cancer screenings, follow-ups, and 
                referrals, with a particular focus on underserved 
                populations. On February 2, 2022, the First Lady and I 
                launched a call to action on cancer screening and early 
                detection. Our goal is to jumpstart progress on 
                potentially life-saving screenings that far too many 
                Americans have missed as a result of the pandemic and 
                help ensure that everyone in the United States benefits 
                equitably from the tools we have to detect and diagnose 
                cancer. We are calling on every American to get back on 
                track with their recommended screenings, including 
                colorectal cancer screenings, and for the public and 
                private sectors to increase access to early detection 
                for individuals and communities.

                Ensuring that every American has access to quality, 
                affordable health coverage is another critical way that 
                we can win the fight against cancer. Thanks

[[Page 11928]]

                to the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans 
                must cover certain preventive services with no out-of-
                pocket costs. This coverage now includes colorectal 
                cancer screenings for adults over the age of 45, making 
                it easier to get colorectal cancer screenings and 
                helping improve access to earlier treatment. Health 
                coverage under the Affordable Care Act has never been 
                more accessible and affordable than it is today, and I 
                encourage all Americans to learn more by visiting 
                www.HealthCare.gov.

                During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I 
                urge every American to exercise vigilance around their 
                own health and the health of their loved ones. Early 
                diagnosis and treatment save lives--and getting 
                screened for colorectal cancer is vitally important as 
                we continue our shared mission to end cancer as we know 
                it.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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 2022 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.

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

[FR Doc. 2022-04613
Filed 3-2-22; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F2-P