[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8790--APR. 2, 2012

Proclamation 8790 of April 2, 2012

National Cancer Control Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

This year, an estimated half a million Americans will lose their lives
to cancer, and three times that many will be diagnosed with this
devastating illness. Cancer patients are parents and grandparents,
children and cherished friends; the disease touches almost all of us and
casts a shadow over families and communities across our Nation. Yet,
today, we stand at a critical moment in cancer research that promises
significant advances for patients and an accelerated pace of lifesaving
discoveries. During National Cancer Control Month, we remember those we
have lost, support Americans fighting this disease, and recommit to
progress toward effective cancer control.
Prevention and screening are our best defenses against cancer. All
Americans can reduce their risk by keeping a healthy diet, exercising
regularly, limiting sun exposure, avoiding excessive alcohol
consumption, and living tobacco-free. Because tobacco use causes a wide
variety of cancers and chronic lung diseases, I encourage individuals
struggling to quit to call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.SmokeFree.gov for
help and information.
Regular screening and check-ups with a health professional can also play
a key role in preventing cancer and detecting the disease early, when it
is often most treatable. Under the Affordable Care Act, over 54 million
Americans with private health coverage have already received preventive
services--including mammograms and other cancer screenings--at no
additional cost. For more resources on how to reduce the risk of
developing cancer, visit www.Cancer.gov.
Federally funded research has brought about landmark advances in cancer
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment that promise real change for the
millions of Americans facing this disease. Sophisticated analysis
continues to shed light on the molecular basis of cancer and unlock new
therapies. Innovative studies are paving the way for effective
treatments to deadly cancers, including melanoma. And new research shows
that screening procedures can reduce mortality from lung cancer, which
could save lives among those at greatest risk. As we move forward, my
Administration will continue to support groundbreaking cancer research
that brings hope to countless individuals and families across our
country.
Over the past several decades, we have made remarkable progress in
understanding and combatting cancer. We owe the knowledge we have gained
and the lives we have saved to the countless doctors, patients,
families, and researchers whose dedication and perseverance have led

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the way to today's most promising technologies and treatments. During
National Cancer Control Month, we pay tribute to the men, women, and
children we have lost to cancer, and we look ahead to a future in which
more Americans have the opportunity to live out the full measure of
their days in health and happiness.
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 2012 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 second day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA