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

 
Proclamation 9484 of September 1, 2016

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Causing more deaths than any other female reproductive system cancers,
ovarian cancer affects women of all ages and backgrounds. But the
incidence of ovarian cancer, and its death rate, have fallen in recent
years. Today, cancer research is on the cusp of major breakthroughs, and
it is of critical national importance that we accelerate this progress
and keep reaching for prevention, treatment, and a cure. Each September,
in honor of the women who have been taken by ovarian cancer and the
brave individuals still fighting this disease, we reaffirm our
commitment to carrying forward this important work.
It is estimated that more than 22,000 American women will be diagnosed
with ovarian cancer this year, and due to a lack of effective screening
tests and early warning signs, many of these cases will be caught at an
advanced stage--making the cancer more difficult to treat, with a lower
chance for recovery. Ovarian cancer is more common among older women and
those who have it in their family history, but because most women are
diagnosed without being at high risk, it is crucial that all women
consult with their health care providers when experiencing some of its
symptoms, which include pressure, swelling,

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and abdominal pain. I encourage everyone to visit www.Cancer.gov/Ovarian
to learn more about the signs and symptoms of this disease.
Under the Affordable Care Act, annual and lifetime limits on insurance
coverage have been eliminated, and critical preventive services like
well-woman visits--which are now available without a copay or
deductible--have been expanded for millions more women. The Act also
prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage based on a pre-
existing condition, including cancer, or from denying coverage due to a
family history of cancer.
Earlier this year, I announced a new national effort to cure cancer. Led
by Vice President Joe Biden, the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force
is promoting research efforts and breaking down barriers to progress to
eliminate cancer as we know it. With the help of a nearly $1 billion
initiative to jumpstart this work, we are harnessing the spirit of
American innovation to identify new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat
cancer. The Task Force builds on the important work that Federal
agencies have already been doing throughout my time in office to fight
ovarian cancer. The Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research
Program is supporting high-impact, cutting-edge research where it is
needed most and has helped push these research priorities forward. And
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has striven to raise
awareness of the main types of gynecologic cancer, including ovarian
cancer, and to encourage women to learn of warning signs and seek
medical care.
For the mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, and families who face the
pain and heartache of ovarian cancer, we must make America the country
that cures cancer once and for all. During National Ovarian Cancer
Awareness Month, as we recognize those in the medical community who work
tirelessly to provide treatment and care and pay tribute to those who
have lost their lives to this disease, let us resolve to increase
awareness of ovarian cancer and shape a cancer-free future.
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 2016 as
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon citizens,
government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research
institutions to raise ovarian cancer awareness and continue helping
Americans live longer, healthier lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA