[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 42 (Monday, October 25, 1993)]
[Pages 2095-2096]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6615--National Mammography Day, 1993

 October 18, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Breast cancer is an insidious disease that takes the lives of far 
too many women. This year alone, 182,000 American women are expected to 
develop breast cancer, and 46,000 will die of this disease. The risk of 
death from breast cancer is significantly reduced when the cancer is 
found in the earlier, more treatable stages of development. If women 
follow early detection guidelines, we should see a 30-percent drop in 
the breast cancer death rate. We all must work to ensure that every 
woman is informed about the serious risk of breast cancer and about the 
importance of regular breast exams and screening mammography. Most 
important, these health care procedures must be within the reach of all 
women.
    The high survival rates of women who are diagnosed as having early 
stage breast cancer have motivated health professionals and other 
concerned citizens to focus their educational efforts on the importance 
of early detection. Women can take an active role in the fight against 
breast cancer through clinical breast exams, breast self-examination, 
and mammography. In many cases, cancers can be seen on a mammogram up to 
2 years before they could be detected by a woman or her physician. The 
key to that advantage, however, is access to such screening.
    I am pleased that third-party reimbursement for mammography is 
increasing, allowing more women to benefit from this life-

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saving procedure. Through Medicare, the Department of Health and Human 
Services covers much of the cost of screening mammography for women 65 
and older. Most states and the District of Columbia now have laws 
requiring private insurers to offer coverage for this procedure. I urge 
every State government, insurance company, medical facility, and 
business to develop policies that ensure all women access to appropriate 
and affordable mammography. Of course, women must take responsibility 
for availing themselves of screening when it is available.
    Likewise, health care professionals must make sure that their 
patients receive regular breast cancer screening. Businesses must offer 
screening to their employees in the form of insurance coverage or 
services offered. Community organizations and individuals not only must 
spread the word about the importance of early detection, but also must 
motivate women to get regular screenings.
    I am heartened that we have the technology to discover breast cancer 
in its earliest stages, the means to motivate women to get regular 
mammograms, and the capability to treat early breast cancer successfully 
in most cases. These resources can save the lives of countless women. 
For the sake of American women and their loved ones, we all must strive 
to see that every woman is educated about early breast cancer detection 
and that she has access to all needed health care.
    In recognition of the crucial role of mammography in the battle 
against breast cancer, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 265, has 
designated October 19, 1993, as ``National Mammography Day'' and has 
authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in 
observance of this day.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 19, 1993, as ``National 
Mammography Day.'' I invite the Governors of the 50 States and the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, and 
the appropriate officials of all other jurisdictions under the American 
flag to issue similar proclamations. I also ask health care 
professionals, private industry, advocacy groups, community 
associations, insurance companies, and all other interested 
organizations and individuals to observe this day by publicly 
reaffirming our Nation's continuing commitment to the control of breast 
cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:57 a.m., October 19, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
20.