    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8572--OCT. 1, 2010

    Proclamation 8572 of October 1, 2010
    National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    While considerable progress has been made in the fight against breast
    cancer, it remains the most frequently diagnosed type of non-skin cancer
    and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in our
    country. This year alone, over 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed and
    nearly 40,000 lives will be claimed. During National Breast Cancer
    Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting breast cancer
    research, and to educating all Americans about its risk factors,
    detection, and treatment. As we display pink ribbons on our lapels,
    offices, and storefronts, we also support those courageously fighting
    breast cancer and honor the lives lost to this devastating disease.
    Thanks to earlier detection and better treatments, mortality rates for
    breast cancer have steadily decreased in the last decade. To advance the
    life-saving research that has breathed promise into countless lives, the
    National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and
    Prevention, and the Department of Defense are investing hundreds of
    millions of dollars annually in breast cancer research and related
    programs. Through funding from the Recovery Act, the National Cancer
    Institute is also conducting and supporting research and training
    projects, as well as distributing health information, to help Americans
    with breast cancer and health care providers face this disease.
    Knowing what may contribute to breast cancer is an important part of its
    prevention. Risk factors for breast cancer include family and personal
    history, radiation therapy to the chest for previous cancers, obesity,
    and certain genetic changes. Being cognizant of these possible risk
    factors, as well as maintaining a healthy body weight and balanced diet,
    exercising regularly, and getting regular screenings, may help lower the
    chances of developing breast cancer. I encourage all women and men to
    talk with their health care provider about their risks and what they can
    do to mitigate them, and to visit Cancer.gov to learn about the
    symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of breast and other cancers.
    Screenings and early detection are also essential components in the
    fight against breast cancer. For women ages 40 and over, regular
    mammograms and clinical breast exams by health care providers every one
    to two years are the most effective ways to find breast cancer early,

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    when it may be easier to treat. Women at higher risk of breast cancer
    should discuss with their health care providers whether they need
    mammograms before age 40, as well as how often to have them. Regular
    mammograms, followed by timely treatment when breast cancer is
    diagnosed, can help improve the chances of surviving this disease.
    In order to detect breast cancer early, we must ensure all women can
    access these important screenings. The Affordable Care Act, which I was
    proud to sign into law earlier this year, requires all new health
    insurance policies to cover recommended preventive services without any
    additional cost, including annual mammography screenings for women over
    age 40. The Affordable Care Act will also ensure that people who have
    been diagnosed with breast cancer cannot be excluded from coverage for a
    pre-existing condition or charged higher premiums.
    During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we stand with our
    mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, and we recognize all who have
    joined their loved ones in fighting their battle, as well as the
    advocates, researchers, and health care providers whose care and hard
    work gives hope to those living with breast cancer. By educating
    ourselves and supporting innovative research, we will improve the
    quality of life for all Americans affected by breast cancer and, one
    day, defeat this terrible 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
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as
    National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage citizens, Government
    agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and all other
    interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of
    what Americans can do to prevent and control breast cancer.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA