[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9401 of February 29, 2016

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, more than 130,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal
cancer, and it kills nearly 50,000--making it the second leading cause
of cancer deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer touches too
many, and together, we must work to lift up those who have been affected
by it and all who remain vulnerable to it. This month, as we remember
the loved ones we have lost and lift up those who continue to fight
colorectal cancer, we strive to save lives by raising awareness of this
disease and encouraging everyone to take measures to prevent it.
Although age, obesity, and certain genetic mutations can increase risk
of colorectal cancer, all Americans should be aware of its risk factors,
which include being physically inactive, having an unhealthy diet,
smoking cigarettes, and consuming alcohol in excess. People who have had
inflammatory bowel disease or who have a family history of colorectal
cancer may also be at particularly high risk. While people of all ages
should consult a physician about their susceptibility, individuals
between ages 50 and 75 are encouraged to get regular screenings.
Symptoms such as blood in stool, persistent stomach pains, and
inexplicable weight loss can be present, but sometimes no symptoms
occur, which is why early detection and treatment are key for battling
colorectal cancer. I urge all people to visit www.Cancer.gov for more
information, including early warning signs and tips for prevention.
I am committed to combating all forms of cancer--including colorectal
cancer--and to reaching a future when no family knows the pain cancer
causes. Earlier this year, I announced a new initiative led by Vice
President Joe Biden: a national effort to put the United States on a
path to becoming the country that finally cures cancer once and for
all--aiming within 5 years to make critical advances that may have
otherwise taken more than a decade to achieve. And we have already
proposed a $1 billion initiative to kick off this critical work. The
Affordable Care Act now requires health care plans to cover certain
recommended preventive services, including many screening tests for
cancer, at no additional cost--an important provision that helps ensure
more people can access critical tests. It also prohibits insurance
companies from charging more for pre-existing conditions, including
cancer. While work remains to be done to confront the challenges posed
by colorectal cancer, we have made great progress in fighting it and
informing people of its dangers.
All people deserve to lead long, happy, and healthy lives, and nobody
should be robbed of that promise due to the devastating impacts of
colorectal cancer. During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month,
let us honor the legacy of those we have lost to this cancer by
spreading awareness of it, uplifting all who live with it, and pledging
our full talent, resources, and will to defeating it.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con

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stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March
2016 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-ninth day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA