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

 
PROCLAMATION 8408--AUG. 31, 2009

Proclamation 8408 of August 31, 2009
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

As a Nation, we have made significant progress in the fight against
prostate cancer. Over the last decade, prostate cancer mortality rates
have fallen substantially. Yet, despite this progress, among men in the
United States prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer
and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. One in six men in this
country will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. National Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month is an opportunity to renew our commitment to find better
ways to prevent, detect, and control this disease.
Prostate cancer affects both those stricken with the disease and their
families, often occurring when they least expect it. The cancer does not
discriminate among husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons, and it does
not differentiate on race, age, or income. Americans of every background
know its dangers. Families share in the struggles of prostate cancer,
bearing the emotional and financial concerns along with the afflicted.
My Administration supports prevention efforts and research to develop
better screening tests, uncover more effective treatments, and ensure
quality care for all who are diagnosed with this illness. We must ensure
that more men are educated about all aspects of the disease including
prevention, early detection and possible treatment options. To expand
our knowledge of this cancer, the National Institutes of Health, the
Department of Defense, and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention are playing leading roles in research. Their work is helping
to reduce the burden of prostate cancer and save lives for generations
to come.
This month, we remember the lives we have lost, and we recommit
ourselves to supporting those currently battling against the disease.
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month also highlights the great
medical advancements we have made and reminds us there is still much
work to be done. As a Nation, we are united in our resolve to reduce
incidence of prostate cancer and improve the lives of all those
affected.
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 September 2009 as National
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage citizens, Government
agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other
interested groups to join in activities that will increase

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awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control prostate
cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA