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

    PROCLAMATION 8551--AUG. 31, 2010

    Proclamation 8551 of August 31, 2010
    National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    While we have made great strides in the battle against ovarian cancer,
    this disease continues to claim more lives than any other gynecologic
    cancer. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we honor all
    those lost to and living with ovarian cancer, and we renew our
    commitment to developing effective screening methods, improving
    treatments, and ultimately defeating this disease.

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    Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed with, and go on to battle
    valiantly against, this disease. Yet, ovarian cancer remains difficult
    to detect, and women are often not diagnosed until the disease has
    reached an advanced stage. I encourage all women--especially those with
    a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, and those over age
    55--to protect their health by understanding risk factors and discussing
    possible symptoms, including abdominal pain, with their health care
    provider. Women and their loved ones may also visit Cancer.gov for more
    information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian and
    other cancers.
    Across the Federal Government, we are working to promote awareness of
    ovarian cancer and advance its diagnosis and treatment. The National
    Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and
    the Department of Defense all play vital roles in reducing the burden of
    this illness through critical investments in research. Earlier this
    year, I was proud to sign into law the landmark Affordable Care Act
    (ACA), which includes provisions to help women living with ovarian
    cancer. The ACA eliminates annual and lifetime limits on benefits,
    creates a program for those who have been denied health insurance
    because of a pre-existing condition, and prohibits insurance companies
    from canceling coverage after individuals get sick. The ACA also
    requires that women enrolling in new insurance plans and those covered
    by Medicare or Medicaid receive free preventive care--including women's
    health services and counseling related to certain genetic screenings
    that identify increased risks for ovarian cancer. In addition, the ACA
    prohibits new health plans from dropping coverage if an individual
    chooses to participate in a potentially life-saving clinical trial, or
    from denying coverage for routine care simply because an individual is
    enrolled in such a trial.
    During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year,
    I commend all the brave women fighting this disease, their families and
    friends, and the health care providers, researchers, and advocates
    working to reduce this disease's impact on our Nation. Together, we can
    improve the lives of all those affected and create a healthier future
    for all our citizens.
    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 September 2010 as
    National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon citizens,
    government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research
    institutions to raise ovarian cancer awareness and continue helping
    Americans live longer, healthier lives.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
    August, 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