[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