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

 
PROCLAMATION 8425--SEPT. 30, 2009

Proclamation 8425 of September 30, 2009
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

In 2009, more than 190,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with
breast cancer, and more than 40,000 women are expected to die from this
disease. It is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading
cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States. As we
observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we salute the brave
Americans who are fighting this disease, including families and friends,
advocates, researchers, and health care providers. We also pause to
remember and pray for those we have lost to breast cancer.
Many Americans know someone who survived breast cancer due to early
detection or improved treatment, and we must continue to discover ways
to prevent, detect, and treat this disease. For us to better understand
how breast cancer develops, to prevent recurrence, and to enhance the
quality of life for survivors, we must support critical research
programs. The National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will invest over $1
billion in research this year. Strengthening our knowledge of breast
cancer development can lead to improvements in prevention and treatment.
Screening and early detection are essential to our Nation's fight
against breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends that
women age 40 and older have mammograms every 1 to 2 years. Women who are
at greater risk should talk with their health care providers about
whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them. My
Administration is committed to requiring insurance companies to cover
mammograms with no extra charges, and prohibiting the

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denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions, including breast
cancer.
Breast cancer health disparities also present a serious challenge. White
women have the highest breast cancer incidence rates, and African
American women have higher mortality rates than other racial or ethnic
groups in the United States. There is also evidence lesbian women are at
a greater risk of developing breast cancer than heterosexual women.
Every day, we are improving programs that address the issues women
encounter in obtaining appropriate and timely treatment. As a Nation, we
will overcome the financial and physical restraints of underserved
populations and ensure access to quality health care.
Our Nation has made significant progress in the fight against breast
cancer, and we remain firm in our commitment to do more. This month, we
reaffirm our commitment to reduce the burden of breast cancer and our
support for those who are living with this devastating disease. By
raising awareness of this disease and supporting research, we can usher
in a new era in our struggle against breast cancer.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage citizens, Government
agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other
interested groups to join in activities that will help Americans
understand what they can do to prevent and control breast cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
September, 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