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

Proclamation 7711 of October 3, 2003
 
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Breast cancer touches the lives of many Americans, either directly or
through the diagnosis of a family member or friend. We have made
considerable progress in diagnosing this disease and improving
treatments, but we have not ended it. While overall death rates are
declining, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer
deaths among women. During this 19th annual National Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, we recognize the efforts being made to fight breast
cancer through prevention, early detection, and aggressive research into
new treatments and therapies.
Monthly self exams and mammograms are still the best ways to detect
breast cancer at an early, treatable stage. The National Cancer
Institute (NCI) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force
agree that for women who are 40 or over, a mammogram every 1 to 2 years
can greatly reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. I encourage all
women to consult with their physicians to obtain appropriate screenings
to help with early detection.
This year in the United States, an estimated 212,000 individuals will be
diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,000 will die of the
disease. My Administration is committed to building on the research that
has already advanced our knowledge of the causes of and possible cures
for breast cancer. The NCI invested an estimated $564.6 million this
year in breast cancer research and will spend approximately $584 million
next year. Continued research provides the opportunity to better
understand the causes of breast cancer and how we can better prevent,
detect, and treat it. The United States Postal Service is also helping
with the fight. Proceeds from the Postal Service's Breast Cancer
Awareness stamp go to breast cancer research. Since the launch of this
special stamp, more than $33 million has been raised to help search for
a cure.
I urge all Americans to raise awareness of breast cancer by talking with
family members and friends about the importance of screening and early
detection. By educating ourselves and working together, we will improve
our ability to prevent, detect, treat, and ultimately cure breast
cancer.
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 the month of October 2003
as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon Government
officials, businesses, communities, healthcare professionals, educators,
volunteers, and all the people of the United

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States to continue our Nation's strong commitment to controlling and
curing breast cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
October, 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