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

 
Proclamation 9314 of August 31, 2015

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, America pauses to raise awareness of prostate cancer and
reaffirm our resolve to defeat it. One of the most common cancers among
American men, prostate cancer will kill more than 27,500 of our Nation's
fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers this year, and more than 220,000
Americans will be diagnosed with it in 2015 alone. With each diagnosis
comes pain and heartache, and for too many it leads to extreme hardship
and unimaginable loss. As a country, we stand with all those who are
fighting prostate cancer, their families, and every person who knows the
challenges it brings, and we renew our commitment to combating this
devastating disease.
Decades of innovative research have helped to reduce prostate cancer's
mortality through more effective prevention, detection, and treatment.
And while the exact causes of prostate cancer remain unknown, medical
research has identified well-established risk factors with which men
should be familiar, such as age, family history, and race. By working to
raise awareness of prostate cancer, we can help men make more informed
decisions about their health--including choices which may help prevent
cancer, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and weight,
and exercising regularly. I encourage all men, especially those at
higher risk, to speak with a health care professional to learn how
prostate cancer could affect them. Everyone can learn more by visiting
www.Cancer.gov/Prostate.
My Administration is committed to ensuring that Americans have every
opportunity to live long and healthy lives. Cancer should not be a death
sentence, nor should it condemn individuals to a life of poverty just
because they do not have access to the quality, affordable care they
need. That is why we fought so hard for the Affordable Care Act--a law
which has helped more than 16 million uninsured Americans gain the
security they deserve. The law also prevents insurance companies from
denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition, such as cancer, and it
eliminates annual and lifetime dollar limits on coverage that could
disrupt prostate cancer treatments.
We will also continue to support the types of groundbreaking research
that have made a difference for so many cancer patients. Earlier this
year, I announced my plan to invest in research to better understand
cancer and other diseases, thereby determining how best to treat each
patient. This Precision Medicine Initiative aims to accelerate
biomedical discoveries and revolutionize how our Nation combats disease.
During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we honor all those we
have lost, and we redouble our efforts to beat prostate cancer once and
for all. Together, with our Nation's advocates, medical researchers,
health care providers, and all those who have been touched by cancer,
let us resolve to continue our work toward a future free from cancer in
all its forms.

[[Page 3419]]

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 2015 as
National Prostate 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 prostate cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA