[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 42 (Friday, March 3, 2023)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 13295-13296]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04546]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 42 / Friday, March 3, 2023 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 13295]]


                Proclamation 10526 of February 28, 2023

                
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2023

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we 
                call attention to the second leading cause of cancer 
                deaths in America--by sharing information about risk 
                factors, promoting life-saving early screenings, and 
                improving access to affordable treatment. In 
                remembrance of every life cut short by this devastating 
                disease, my Administration is determined to end cancer 
                as we know it.

                When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, every minute 
                counts. But patients can be overwhelmed by a flood of 
                medical information, and they too often struggle to 
                afford life-saving care. Our country needs to do more 
                to help patients and families navigate the cancer care 
                system. We need to learn from patients' experiences, 
                and we need to share data and knowledge to help prevent 
                other families from encountering the same obstacles to 
                prevention and care. When it comes to colorectal 
                cancer, we must also focus our efforts on those most 
                likely to develop this disease, including Americans 
                over the age of 45; Black Americans; people with a 
                family history of colorectal cancer; and people who 
                smoke, consume alcohol, or are obese.

                Because early detection drastically improves survival 
                rates, the independent United States Preventive 
                Services Task Force recommends regular screenings for 
                all Americans who are older than 45 or have other risk 
                factors. People should consult a doctor if they 
                experience symptoms including blood in their stool, a 
                change in bowel habits, stomach pain, bloating, 
                persistent cramps, or unexplained weight loss. Vital 
                screenings like colonoscopies can detect cancer early 
                and remove precancerous growths, preventing the disease 
                before it starts.

                My Administration is working around the clock to 
                develop new treatments that can turn this and other 
                kinds of cancer from life-threatening diseases into 
                chronic ones that people can live with and that can 
                even cure certain forms of cancer. The First Lady and I 
                reignited the Cancer Moonshot initiative that I began 
                as Vice President, setting a new goal of cutting the 
                Nation's cancer death rate in half in the next 25 years 
                while better supporting patients and caregivers. To 
                develop bold breakthroughs in preventing, diagnosing, 
                and treating cancer and other deadly diseases, I 
                established the Advanced Research Projects Agency for 
                Health (ARPA-H), securing $2.5 billion in funding with 
                bipartisan support from the Congress. And last fall, I 
                signed an Executive Order to help ensure that 
                biotechnology invented in America is made in America, 
                growing our economy and strengthening our supply chains 
                for vital medications.

                At the same time, we are continuing to make existing 
                cancer care more affordable. The American Rescue Plan 
                expanded the Affordable Care Act, which requires 
                insurers to pay for cancer screenings and primary care 
                visits and to cover cancer survivors and others who 
                have preexisting conditions. Last year, I signed the 
                Inflation Reduction Act, which will cap costs for 
                prescription drugs--including life-saving cancer 
                medicines--for seniors on Medicare at $2,000 per year. 
                My Administration has worked with the private sector to 
                bring cancer screenings to more communities; develop 
                and test new treatments; and share data, which can 
                accelerate research and save

[[Page 13296]]

                lives. My Administration is also promoting cancer 
                prevention and healthy diets, which can reduce the risk 
                of colorectal cancer. As part of our national strategy 
                to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases, we are 
                working to provide healthy, free meals to millions more 
                school kids; boost Medicaid and Medicare coverage for 
                services like nutrition and obesity counseling; and 
                make fruits and vegetables more affordable for low-
                income families.

                The task ahead is great, but I am optimistic. Many 
                thousands of families have shared their cancer stories 
                with me over the years; each time, I am reminded how 
                personal this pain is and how universal the dream of a 
                cure continues to be. This common cause can unite this 
                Nation and the world to join together and marshal the 
                resources, brightest minds, and most dedicated 
                advocates to finally end cancer once and for all.

                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 2023 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. I also encourage Americans to 
                visit HealthCare.gov and learn more about signing up 
                for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

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

[FR Doc. 2023-04546
Filed 3-2-23; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F3-P