[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8354--APR. 1, 2009

Proclamation 8354 of April 1, 2009
National Cancer Control Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

We have achieved remarkable progress in the fight against cancer.
Miracles in medical research have helped us understand how to prevent,
detect, and treat cancer more effectively, and Americans are now more
aware of how to protect themselves from this disease.
Despite this progress, cancer continues to kill more Americans than any
other malady but heart disease. Marking National Cancer Control Month,
we recommit to the battle against cancer and emphasize the promise of
medical research and the healthy steps Americans can take to protect
themselves.
To gain new ground in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, my
Administration will continue to press for increased support for research
at the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and academic and other
institutions. The Federal Government plays an indispensable role in
investing in this research, which will save and improve lives for
generations to come.
As researchers work daily to better understand this disease, Americans
can take steps to decrease their risk of developing cancer. Individuals

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of all ages should seek regular and appropriate check-ups. These check-
ups should include screening, such as mammograms, the Pap test, and
tests for colorectal cancer, all of which can help detect cancer during
its early stages.
Healthy personal habits can also reduce the risk of cancer. Smoking
accounts for thousands of cancer deaths every year, and quitting-even
after many years-can greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Physical
inactivity and obesity may cause a substantial proportion of colon,
breast, endometrial, kidney, and esophageal cancers in the United
States, so maintaining physical activity and a healthy diet can help
prevent cancer, among other diseases. Finally, moderating alcohol intake
and sun exposure can help protect Americans.
Too many American families have been touched by cancer. As we observe
National Cancer Control Month, I call upon all courageous cancer
patients and survivors, health care providers, researchers, advocates,
and others involved in this struggle to work together in support of our
Nation's goal to control, and ultimately defeat, this devastating
disease.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 April 2009 as National
Cancer Control Month. I encourage citizens, medical institutions,
government and social service agencies, businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that
help control cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA