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

 
Proclamation 9334 of September 30, 2015

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Too often, precious lives are interrupted or cut short by cancer. Breast
cancer, one of the most common cancers among American women, affects
roughly 230,000 women as well as 2,300 men each year and is responsible
for more than 40,000 deaths annually in the United States.

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Breast cancer does not discriminate--it strikes people of all races,
ages, and income levels--and we must raise awareness of this disease and
its symptoms so we can more easily identify it and more effectively
treat it. This month, as we honor those whose lives were tragically cut
short by breast cancer and as we stand with their families, let us arm
ourselves with the best knowledge, tools, and resources available to
fight this devastating disease.
Regular screenings and quality care are vital to improving outcomes for
millions of people, and we are making strides in improving treatment
options. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most health insurers are now
required to cover recommended preventive services--including
mammograms--at no extra cost, and Americans cannot be denied health
coverage due to a pre-existing condition, like breast cancer. Women and
men can take precautionary action on their own by talking with their
health care providers about what they can do to lower their individual
risk factors and learning about what tests are right for them. For more
information on breast cancer prevention, treatment of metastatic breast
cancer, and the latest research, visit www.Cancer.gov/Breast.
My Administration is committed to advancing research to better prevent,
diagnose, and treat cancer in all its forms. Earlier this year, I
announced a new initiative to invest in research that will enable
clinicians to better tailor treatments to individual patients. This
Precision Medicine Initiative aims to accelerate biomedical discoveries
and revolutionize how we improve health and treat disease. By continuing
to make breakthroughs in technology and medicine, our Nation's brightest
minds are working tirelessly to combat breast cancer.
Together, we must ensure all people can enjoy the extraordinary gift
that is a long, happy, and healthy life. During National Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, let us remember those cancer took from us too soon--and
in tribute to them, their families, and our medical professionals, let
us recommit to the promise of finding a cure.
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 2015 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 fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA