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

    Proclamation 7699 of September 1, 2003

    National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    It is estimated that more than 25,000 American women will be diagnosed
    with ovarian cancer this year and that more than 14,000 will die from
    this disease. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we seek to
    increase understanding of ovarian cancer and the importance of early
    detection, and to recognize the advances made to eliminate this disease.
    Early detection and education are critical to treating ovarian cancer.
    Today, only half of the women diagnosed with this disease are expected
    to survive 5 years or more. However, the 5-year survival rate for those
    whose cancer is detected early is more than 90 percent. When the disease
    is discovered in its early stages, doctors are able to treat it with
    standard methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

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    Researchers have made significant progress in developing screening tests
    that can accurately diagnose ovarian cancer. Much work remains, however,
    before we can reliably detect the disease in its earliest stages when
    treatment is most effective. I urge all women to talk to their doctors
    about ovarian cancer and the best course of action to detect and treat
    this deadly disease. Doing so is particularly important for women aged
    40 or older, those with a family history of ovarian cancer, and those
    with a personal history of breast, endometrial, or colon cancer. And I
    urge individuals across the country to learn more about this disease and
    what can be done to reduce the number of individuals who suffer from it.
    In addition to encouraging early detection and increasing awareness
    about ovarian cancer, we must continue to advance our knowledge through
    research. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
    the National Cancer Institute, the Department of Defense, the Food and
    Drug Administration, other Federal agencies, and private companies are
    working hard to discover the causes of ovarian cancer and to design more
    effective screening and treatment options. Through their research, we
    hope to learn how to reduce the chances of developing this disease, how
    to recognize it in its earliest stages, and how to successfully treat
    women in every stage of ovarian cancer. The vision and determination of
    these professionals, along with the courage of the women who participate
    in clinical trials, are helping to turn today's research advances into
    tomorrow's success stories.
    My Administration remains committed to supporting research efforts to
    help find a cure for ovarian cancer. My fiscal year 2004 budget proposal
    includes more than $5.6 billion for cancer research at the National
    Institutes of Health. This investment will lead to a better
    understanding of ovarian cancer and greater hope for women who suffer
    from this disease. Through education and continued research, we can win
    the fight against ovarian cancer and save the lives of thousands of
    American women.
    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 September 2003 as National
    Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United
    States to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH

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