[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