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

 
Proclamation 8724 of October 3, 2011

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This month, pink ribbons will be displayed around our country, adorning
jackets and public spaces alike. A sign of solidarity, these ribbons
remind us of our commitment to preventing and treating breast cancer,
and to supporting those courageously battling this disease. Countless
Americans will participate in events to raise awareness alongside
survivors and their families, working together to support research that
will save lives.
We have come far in recent decades in the prevention, early detection,
and treatment of breast cancer. Still, this year, hundreds of thousands
of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and too many will be
lost. African-American women bear a particularly large burden,
experiencing higher death rates from breast cancer than other racial or
ethnic groups in the United States. Too many men also develop and fall
victim to this cancer.
It is important to understand the risks and precautions associated with
breast cancer. Some risk factors, like obesity, are avoidable. Other
factors, like family history, are not avoidable, but knowledge of them
can help inform medical decisions. Taking protective steps like getting
regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy body weight and balanced diet,
and exercising may help lower the chances of developing breast cancer. I
encourage all Americans to talk to their doctors about breast cancer,
and to visit www.Cancer.gov to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and
treatment.

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Screening and early detection are essential to fighting this disease,
yet only about two-thirds of American women over 40 have had a mammogram
in the last 2 years. But now, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, all
Americans joining new health-care plans can receive recommended
preventive services, including annual mammograms for women over 40, with
no out-of-pocket costs. This new benefit would also ensure that women in
new insurance plans who are at high risk for breast cancer are covered
when they speak with their clinicians about ways to prevent or delay the
development of cancer. The Affordable Care Act also established a
committee tasked with advancing awareness and prevention of breast
cancer among young women.
This month, we join together in honoring the women and men lost to
breast cancer. In their memory, we recommit to supporting the hard-
working researchers, health-care providers, advocates, and organizations
dedicated to treating and curing this devastating disease. We embrace
our mothers, daughters, sisters, and loved ones currently battling
breast cancer, along with their friends and families, and we resolve to
one day defeat it.
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 2011 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 third day of
October, 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