[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