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

 
Proclamation 9507 of September 30, 2016

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, too many Americans are touched by the pain and hardship
caused by breast cancer--a disease that, among women, is not only one of
the most common cancers, but also one of the leading causes of cancer-
related death. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor
all those who lost their lives to breast cancer, and we recognize the
courageous survivors who are still fighting it. For these individuals,
and for their loved ones who give their unwavering support during the
most trying times, we recommit ourselves to the essential and necessary
work of forging a future free from cancer in all its forms.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer
this year, and tens of thousands will lose their battle with this
disease. Although both women and men can have breast cancer, women are
at higher risk. Women with a family history of breast cancer, or those
who are older or obese, are also more likely to
be diagnosed with breast cancer. I encourage all women to find out
if they are at increased risk and to learn more about recommended
screenings by speaking with their health care providers and by visiting
www.Cancer.gov/Breast.
Early detection and treatment can save lives. Since I took office, I
have worked to make quality, affordable health care a reality for more
Americans. The Affordable Care Act has given millions of women expanded
access to preventive services, including screening tests such as
mammograms, with no out-of-pocket costs. Women can no longer be denied
coverage because of a pre-existing condition, including a family history

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of breast cancer, and lifetime and annual limits on essential health
benefits have been eliminated.
Critical research efforts over time have yielded great progress in how
we diagnose and treat breast cancer, which has produced a steady
increase in survival rates for those suffering from this disease--and it
is crucial that we keep building on these successes. This year, the
National Cancer Institute launched the largest study of its kind to
investigate the role of genetic and biological factors in breast cancer
risk among African American women, who have a higher risk of dying from
breast cancer. The White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force, also launched
this year, is a new national effort striving to make a decade's worth of
progress in preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer in just 5 years.
And through the Precision Medicine Initiative--a bold research effort
aimed at delivering disease prevention and treatment based on an
individual's unique traits and genetic information--we are pursuing new
oncology-focused efforts to advance personalized care through targeted
cancer therapies.
This month, with bold pink ribbons displayed proudly across America, we
stand in solidarity with breast cancer survivors and reaffirm our
commitment to raising awareness of this disease and to advancing
research efforts. Let us thank the countless advocates, medical
professionals, researchers, and caregivers who dedicate their lives to
fighting for a world without breast cancer, and together, let us carry
out our mission to cure cancer once and for all.
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 2016 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 sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA