[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7765 of April 2, 2004


 
Cancer Control Month, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

We have made dramatic progress in our fight against cancer, yet this
disease continues to be the second-leading cause of death in the United
States. Cancer Control Month provides the opportunity for Americans to
learn vital information about cancer prevention, detection, and
treatment.
Medical science is helping cancer victims live healthier, longer lives.
Survival rates are rising, and today our country has more than 9 million
cancer survivors. However, much work remains to be done. Researchers
estimate that more than 1.3 million people in the United States will be
diagnosed with cancer this year, and more than 800,000 will die from the
disease.
A good diet, regular exercise, and healthy choices help people reduce
their risk of developing many chronic diseases, including cancer.
Research suggests that being overweight or obese accounts for 14 percent
of cancer deaths among men and 20 percent among women.
Regular check-ups are also important in the fight against cancer.
Preventive health screenings can detect many forms of cancer at earlier,
less dangerous stages, allowing doctors to stop cancer before it
spreads. I encourage all Americans to talk to their doctors about
preventive screenings and regular check-ups.
As we observe Cancer Control Month, I commend cancer survivors for their
courage and determination. I applaud medical professionals, researchers,
family members, and friends for their efforts to improve the lives of
those suffering from cancer and for their work in finding a cure for
this devastating disease. I encourage all Americans to learn more about
cancer. By working together, we can save lives and win the fight against
cancer.
In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a joint resolution (52
Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103) as amended, requesting the President to issue
an annual proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer Control Month.'';
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim April 2004 as Cancer Control Month. I
encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities

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that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and
control cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
PROCLAMATION 7766--APR. 2, 2004