    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7650 of February 28, 2003

    National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Colorectal cancer touches the lives of many Americans. This year, it is
    estimated that more than 148,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be
    diagnosed. More than 56,000 people may die from this disease, making it
    a leading cause of cancer death in our Nation. We have achieved great
    progress in understanding what causes colorectal cancer, and how it
    develops and spreads. This fourth national observance once again helps
    increase awareness. Increased awareness can help us reach my
    Administration's goal, known as ``Healthy People 2010,'' administered by
    the Department of Health and Human Services, to reduce the rate of
    colorectal cancer deaths by 34 percent by the year 2010.
    Like many cancers, the development of colorectal cancer can take many
    years. Screening is an important tool to help detect colorectal cancer
    early by identifying precancerous growths or polyps, when treatment is
    more likely to be successful.
    More than 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer
    are over the age of 50. Yet, recent data indicates that less than 40
    percent of adults age 50 or older have had one of the available
    colorectal cancer screening tests within recommended intervals.
    Researchers estimate that if everyone age 50 or older received regular
    colorectal cancer screenings, at least one-third of the deaths would be
    prevented.
    Individuals must realize the importance of talking with their healthcare
    providers about when to begin screening, which tests to have, the
    benefits and risks of each test, and how often to schedule appointments.
    To help our citizens detect this disease, the Centers for Medicare and
    Medicaid Services (CMS) provides Medicare coverage for regular
    colorectal cancer screening tests to help detect precancerous conditions
    or colorectal cancer early.
    The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the National
    Institutes of Health, is the Nation's principal research agency in the
    fight against colorectal cancer. The NCI invested approximately $245
    million in 2002, and it will dedicate an estimated $267 million this
    year to advance our understanding of this disease. The Centers for
    Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also plays an important role in our
    ef

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    forts to save lives and reduce the burden of colorectal cancer. Last
    year, the CDC allocated $12 million to educate the public and health
    professionals about colorectal cancer screening, and to conduct and
    support research efforts related to increasing national colorectal
    cancer screening rates.
    The CDC, CMS, and NCI are participating together in the Screen for Life:
    National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign to educate Americans aged 50
    and older, particularly minority groups, about the benefits of
    colorectal cancer screening. Another coordinated effort is the Health
    Disparities Collaboratives, a public-private partnership that involves
    the Health Resources and Services Administration, CDC, NCI, and the
    Institute for Healthcare Improvement. These groups are focusing on
    screening and follow-up care for people who traditionally lack access to
    quality health care.
    During this month, I encourage Americans to join me in the crucial
    effort to save lives by taking action against colorectal cancer by
    talking with healthcare providers about screening, telling friends and
    family members about the importance of early detection, and providing
    support for those diagnosed with colorectal cancer. By working together
    to increase awareness and supporting research about this disease, we can
    make a difference in the lives of our citizens and people around the
    world.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2003 as National
    Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon all Americans to reaffirm
    our Nation's continuing commitment to controlling and curing 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 three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    seventh.
    GEORGE W. BUSH