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

 
Proclamation 8703 of September 1, 2011

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Ovarian cancer continues to have one of the highest mortality rates of
any cancer, and it is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in
the United States. This month, we remember the mothers, sisters, and
daughters we have lost to ovarian cancer, and we extend our support to
those living with this disease. We also reaffirm our commitment to
raising awareness about ovarian cancer, and to advancing our screening
and treatment capabilities for the thousands of American women who will
be diagnosed this year.
Ovarian cancer touches women of all backgrounds and ages. Because of a
lack of early symptoms and effective screening tests, ovarian cancer is
often not detected in time for successful interventions. It is crucial
that women know how to recognize the warning signs of gynecological
cancers and can detect the disease as early as possible. I encourage all
women to learn about risk factors, including family history, and to
discuss possible symptoms, including abdominal pain, with their doctor.
Now, because of the Affordable Care Act, a wide range of preventive
screenings are available to women without any copayments, deductibles,
or coinsurance.
My Administration is committed to supporting the women, families, and
professionals working to end this disease. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services
have started a campaign to educate women on cancers affect

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ing reproductive organs. The National Cancer Institute is researching
new ways to detect ovarian cancer, publishing a comprehensive study of
the most aggressive types of ovarian cancer, and conducting clinical
trials for new combinations of therapy. And this year, agencies across
the Federal Government, from the National Institutes of Health to the
Department of Defense, have committed to supporting ovarian cancer
prevention and treatment research.
So many lives have been touched by ovarian cancer--from the women who
fight this disease, to the families who join their loved ones in
fighting their battle. In the memory of all the brave women who have
lost their lives to ovarian cancer, and in support of generations of
women to come, let us recommit to reaching a safer, 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 2011 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. And I urge women across the
country to talk to their health-care providers and learn more about this
disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA