[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9237 of February 27, 2015

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the
United States. This year, more than 130,000 Americans will be diagnosed
with this cancer, and nearly 50,000 will die from it. Friends and

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loved ones will be taken from us too soon by this disease, and the pain
of cancer will touch too many families. During National Colorectal
Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize all those who have been affected by
this disease, and we renew our commitment to a lifesaving endeavor:
raising awareness of colorectal cancer and the importance of screening.
Colorectal cancer is often preventable, and early detection and
treatment are critical. However, this disease does not always cause
symptoms, and most colorectal cancer occurs in individuals with no
family history. That is why it is crucial for people of all ages to
discuss colorectal cancer with their health care providers and
understand the recommendations for, and benefits of, screening. And,
people between ages 50 and 75 should get regular screenings. Not only
can testing save your life, it can also provide peace of mind to your
family and loved ones. I encourage Americans to learn more about the
risk factors and symptoms of colorectal cancer by visiting
www.Cancer.gov.
Every American deserves health security, and that is why I fought so
hard for the Affordable Care Act. Under the law, more families have
access to quality, affordable health care, and most insurance plans are
required to cover recommended preventive services without copays,
including colorectal cancer screenings for adults over 50. Earlier this
year, I also announced the Precision Medicine Initiative to accelerate
the design and testing of treatments tailored to individual patients.
This bold new effort aims to revolutionize how our Nation fights
disease, and it brings us closer to curing cancer.
Even as we continue the urgent work of improving care, we cannot fill
the void left in the lives of those who know the true anguish of
colorectal cancer. This month, we honor the loved ones we have lost to
this disease and those who battle it today. Let us stand with their
families and all who are committed to advancing the fight against cancer
through research, advocacy, and quality care. Together, we can build a
future free from cancer in all its forms.
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 2015 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-seventh day
of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA