[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7936--SEPT. 30, 2005
Proclamation 7936 of September 30, 2005
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer and the second
leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. During
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we renew our commitment to
making progress in the fight to prevent, detect, treat, and cure this
deadly disease.
Although we do not yet know the exact causes of breast cancer,
researchers have discovered several factors that can increase a person's
risk of developing the disease, including age, characteristics of
certain genes, and a family history of breast cancer. It is important
for individuals to seek medical advice about risk factors and screening
methods.
Because treatment is more likely to be successful when breast cancer is
detected early, regular screening is vital. The National Cancer
Institute (NCI) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force
recommend that women age 40 and over have a mammogram every 1 to 2
years. Women with an increased risk of breast cancer should talk to
their doctors about getting mammograms even before the age of 40. To
increase awareness about the importance of regular screening, the NCI's
Cancer Information Service Partnership Program collaborates with
nonprofit, private, and government agencies across the country to
provide information to people most in need.
America leads the world in medical research, and we are committed to
continuing progress in the search for a cure for breast cancer. The
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the NCI are
conducting research into genetic and environmental factors that may
increase breast cancer risk. The NCI is also sponsoring one of the
largest studies ever conducted on breast cancer prevention, enrolling
more than 19,000 women. This year alone, the National Institutes of
Health, the CDC, and the Department of Defense will collectively spend
more than $850 million on breast cancer research.
This month, we recognize breast cancer survivors, those battling the
disease, and the family members and friends who are a tireless source of
love and encouragement for these individuals. Their courage, hope, and
faith are an inspiration to all of us. We appreciate the efforts of
medical professionals and researchers who work to find a cure for this
deadly disease, and I urge all Americans to talk with friends and loved
ones about the importance of breast cancer screening and early
detection. By working together, we can raise awareness and help people
live longer and healthier lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con

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stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2005
as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon Government
officials, businesses, communities, health care professionals,
educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to
continue our Nation's strong commitment to preventing and treating
breast cancer and to finding a cure for this disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH