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

 
PROCLAMATION 9028--SEPT. 30, 2013

Proclamation 9028 of September 30, 2013

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Every October, America stands in solidarity with those battling breast
cancer and those at risk for breast cancer. This disease touches every
corner of the United States--in 2013 alone, more than 230,000 women and
over 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and tens of
thousands will die from it. As we observe National Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, we salute the women and men who dedicate themselves to
prevention, detection, and treatment; we show our support for every
individual and every family struggling with breast cancer; and we pause
to remember those we have lost.
Over the past two decades, our Nation has made strides in the fight
against breast cancer. While we still do not know the exact causes, we
do know that some women are at an increased risk of developing this
disease, including those who have a personal or family history, who are
older, or who are overweight or obese after menopause. Because


[[Page 1366]]

early detection can decrease the risk of death from breast cancer, I encourage
women to speak with their doctors about recommended mammograms and
clinical breast exams. Whether you are looking for information about
breast cancer prevention, treatment of metastatic breast cancer, or
information about the latest research, all Americans can learn more by
visiting www.Cancer.gov.
Last year, my Administration invested over half a billion dollars in
breast cancer research. We proudly support studies aimed at discovering
better screening methods, developing more effective treatments, and
improving our understanding of this disease.
And because everyone should have access to preventive services, the
Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to fully cover
recommended breast cancer screenings. This law also prohibits insurers
from setting lifetime dollar limits on coverage, or from dropping
coverage because of errors on paperwork. Beginning in 2014, companies
will no longer be able to put dollar limits on annual benefits or deny
insurance because of pre-existing conditions, including breast cancer.
And starting October 1, Americans can visit www.HealthCare.gov to shop
for affordable coverage in the new Health Insurance Marketplace.
This month, we reaffirm our commitment to reduce the burden of breast
cancer. We join hands with our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.
We renew our support for increased access to screenings and care, and we
advance the innovative research that will usher in a new era in the
fight against breast cancer.
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 2013 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 breast cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
September, 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