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

PROCLAMATION 8552--AUG. 31, 2010

Proclamation 8552 of August 31, 2010
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Although its mortality rate has steadily fallen in the last decade,
prostate cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among
men in the United States. This year alone, nearly 218,000 men will be
diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 32,000 men will die from
this disease. National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month gives us the
opportunity to renew our commitment to fight this disease by finding
better ways to prevent, detect, and treat it.
The exact causes of prostate cancer are not known, but awareness can
help men make more informed choices about their health. Researchers have
identified several factors that may increase a man's risk of developing
prostate cancer, including age, race, and family history. According to
the National Cancer Institute, avoiding smoking, losing weight,
maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising may all help prevent certain
cancers. We must ensure that more men are informed about all aspects of
this disease, including early detection and possible treatment. I
encourage men to talk with their doctors about risk factors, prevention,
and preventative screenings. And I invite all Americans to visit
Cancer.gov for more information and resources about the symptoms,
diagnosis, and treatment of prostate and other cancers.
Until we find a cure for this disease, my Administration will continue
promoting awareness of this illness and supporting prostate cancer
research and treatment, including research to help determine why
prostate cancer affects some racial and ethnic groups more than others.
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 prostate cancer through critical investments in
research. The health care reforms included in the landmark Affordable
Care Act also address specific needs of individuals fighting cancer,
including removing annual and lifetime caps on insurance coverage,
prohibiting insurance companies from dropping coverage after an
individual gets sick, and guaranteeing insurance coverage for
individuals participating in clinical trials, the cornerstone of cancer
research.
As we observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we stand by the
fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons battling prostate cancer, as well
as their families and the health care providers, researchers, and
advocates who are working to combat this disease and save lives. By
joining together to raise awareness of prostate cancer and supporting
research, we can continue to make progress against this devastating
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 September 2010 as
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens, Government
agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other groups
to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of
prostate cancer.

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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