    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9085--FEB. 28, 2014

    Proclamation 9085 of February 28, 2014

    National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    The second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States,
    colorectal cancer claims more than 50,000 American lives each year.
    Because the odds of survival rise dramatically when this cancer is
    caught early, calling attention to it can save lives. During National
    Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we aim to improve public
    understanding of risk factors and screening recommendations, reach for
    better treatments, and set our sights on a cure.
    While anyone can get colorectal cancer, the risk increases with age.
    Nine out of ten cases occur in people over 50 years old, and the
    likelihood is also greater for people of African-American or Eastern
    European descent and those with inflammatory bowel disease or a family
    history of colorectal cancer. Symptoms can include stomach pain, aches,
    or cramps that do not go away and weight loss without a known cause. Yet
    many cases have no symptoms, especially early on, when it can be
    prevented or more effectively treated. That is why it is crucial for
    people of all ages to discuss colorectal cancer with their doctors and
    those at risk or between ages 50 and 75 to get regular screenings.
    My Administration is funding research to improve prevention and
    treatment, and to identify the best ways to promote colorectal cancer
    screening. We are also working to ensure screenings and treatment are

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    available and affordable for all. The Centers for Disease Control and
    Prevention funds programs that provide these tests to underserved, at-
    risk Americans. And under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance
    plans cover recommended preventive services, including colorectal cancer
    screening for adults ages 50 to 75, at no out-of-pocket cost to the
    patient. Thanks to the health care law, insurance companies can no
    longer put annual or lifetime dollar caps on essential health benefits
    or discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions. Americans
    have their first chance to sign up for affordable, high quality coverage
    in the Health Insurance Marketplace through open enrollment until March
    31st, and annually going forward.
    Everyone has a role to play in reducing deaths from colorectal cancer.
    This month, I encourage Americans to talk to at-risk parents,
    grandparents, or friends of all ages about getting screened. If we look
    out for one another, we can better the chances of survival and keep more
    families whole.
    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 March 2014 as National
    Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens, government
    agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups
    to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of
    colorectal cancer.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day
    of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    eighth.
    BARACK OBAMA