[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8644 of March 31, 2011

National Cancer Control Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Over the past several decades, our Nation has made significant advances
in the fight against cancer. Improvements in early detection and
treatment of this disease have led to decreases in the rates of new
cases and deaths, and many people who are diagnosed with cancer are
living longer, with better quality of life. Despite the breadth of our
progress, an estimated 1.5 million people were diagnosed with cancer
last year, and more than half a million Americans lost their lives to
the disease. During National Cancer Control Month, we renew our
commitment to increasing awareness about cancer and reducing the burden
of this devastating illness.

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There are simple steps all of us can take to protect ourselves and our
loved ones from cancer. Americans can help reduce their cancer risk with
healthy practices such as avoiding excessive sun exposure, limiting
alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight,
and making physical activity part of each day. Exposure to tobacco
smoke, even from occasional smoking or secondhand smoke, is particularly
harmful. Americans striving to quit can receive help by calling 1-800-
QUIT-NOW or visiting: www.Smokefree.gov.
Screening tests can also help reduce the risk of developing certain
cancers and help detect the disease early when it is often easier to
treat. Under the Affordable Care Act, new health insurance plans must
offer certain screening tests, including Pap tests, mammograms, and
colonoscopies, at no extra cost. I encourage every man and woman to talk
with a health professional about available testing and when to begin
screenings. All Americans can visit www.Cancer.gov for more information
about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
My Administration is committed to continuing the advances made in cancer
research, prevention, detection, and treatment. The Healthy People 2020
initiative, which is spearheaded by the Department of Health and Human
Services, is tasked with outlining national objectives and benchmarks to
measure progress toward improving the health of all Americans. The goals
will provide a roadmap for better health and help focus our Nation's
attention on trends in cancer rates, mortality, and survival.
Americans of every background have been touched by cancer, either
through a personal diagnosis or that of a family member or friend, and
too many of us understand the terrible toll of this disease. In memory
of loved ones lost to cancer, and in tribute to the survivors and those
still fighting this disease, I call on all Americans to recognize what
each of us can do to live longer, healthier lives and to reach for a
future free from cancer.
The Congress of the United States, by joint resolution approved March
28, 1938 (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103), as amended, has requested the
President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer
Control Month.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim April 2011 as National Cancer Control Month.
I encourage citizens, Government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that
will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control
cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day
of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA