[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9008--AUG. 30, 2013

Proclamation 9008 of August 30, 2013

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Each September, America calls attention to a deadly disease that affects
thousands of women across our country. This year, over 22,000 women will
develop ovarian cancer, and more than half that number of women will die
of this disease. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we lend
our support to everyone touched by this disease, we remember those we
have lost, and we strengthen our resolve to better prevent, detect,
treat, and ultimately defeat ovarian cancer.
Because ovarian cancer often goes undetected until advanced stages,
increasing awareness of risk factors is critical to fighting this
disease.


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Chances of developing ovarian cancer are greater in women who
are middle-aged or older, women with a family history of breast or
ovarian cancer, and those who have had certain types of cancer in the
past. I encourage all women, especially those at increased risk, to talk
to their doctors. For more information, visit www.Cancer.gov.
My Administration is investing in research to improve our understanding
of ovarian cancer and develop better methods for diagnosis and
treatment. As we continue to implement the Affordable Care Act, women
with ovarian cancer will receive increased access to health care
options, protections, and benefits. Thanks to this law, insurance
companies can no longer set lifetime dollar limits on coverage or cancel
coverage because of errors on paperwork. By 2014, the health care law
will ban insurers from setting restrictive annual caps on benefits and
from charging women higher rates simply because of their gender.
Additionally, insurance companies will be prohibited from denying
coverage or charging higher premiums to patients with pre-existing
conditions, including ovarian cancer.
This month, we extend a hand to all women battling ovarian cancer. We
pledge our support to them, to their families, and to the goal of
defeating this disease.
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 2013 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. I also urge women across our
country to talk to their health care providers and learn more about this
disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA