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

 
Proclamation 8706 of September 1, 2011

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths
among men in the United States. The weight of this illness is felt not
only by the men living with and fighting prostate cancer, but also by
their families, friends, and communities who rally to care for their
loved ones. As we observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we
renew our commitment to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on our
country by raising awareness and supporting research that will lead to
better ways to detect and treat this disease.
Although the exact causes of prostate cancer are not yet known, studies
show certain factors--including age, race, and family history--may
increase the likelihood of developing the disease. African Americans, in
particular, are at a higher risk than men of other backgrounds. I
encourage all men, especially those who are at an increased risk, to
talk

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to their doctors about ways they can reduce their chances of developing
prostate cancer.
My Administration will continue to promote prostate cancer research and
treatment and raise awareness of this illness. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention support critical research projects and education
activities that bring a public health perspective to the issues of early
detection and treatment. The Department of Defense and the National
Cancer Institute continue to support research, investigate new cancer
detection methods, and develop innovative imaging methods and other
diagnostic techniques. The Affordable Care Act also expands coverage and
gives Americans greater freedom and control over their health-care
choices. Reforms in the law ban insurance companies from dropping
individuals when they get sick or imposing lifetime dollar limits on
health benefits. These changes free cancer patients to focus on getting
better instead of worrying about whether they will be able to afford
their treatment.
During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we reaffirm our support
for prostate cancer patients and survivors, and commend health-care
providers, advocates, and researchers for their dedication and
perseverance. Our combined efforts to increase awareness of prostate
cancer and bolster research will help save lives, and our commitment to
our fathers, brothers, and sons will contribute to a brighter tomorrow
for future generations.
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 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.
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