[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 41 (Monday, October 17, 1994)]
[Pages 1998-1999]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6739--National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1994

October 12, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Just weeks ago, scientists announced that they had identified a gene 
whose mutation causes hereditary breast cancer. Although the effects of 
this exciting discovery may not be realized for some time, as we mark 
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1994, families and friends 
across the country have much to celebrate. American women have greater 
access to breast cancer screening than ever before. In addition to the 
latest advances in medical research, we have made significant strides in 
early detection and treatment, immeasurably improving women's

[[Page 1999]]

chances for survival. Our knowledge of what causes this disease is 
expanding, and, bolstered by a firm national commitment to basic 
research, scientists continue to develop new and more effective methods 
of treatment. With each small step forward, we are saving women's lives.
    Still, an estimated 182,000 American women will be diagnosed with 
breast cancer this year. Almost 43,000 will die. It remains the second 
leading cause of cancer death among American women. The health care 
community has worked tirelessly to educate Americans about the 
importance of early detection, but many women postpone recommended 
check-ups and do not yet practice regular self-examination. We must work 
to make sure that all women are informed about the dangers of breast 
cancer, are aware of the life-saving potential of early detection, and 
have access to the high-quality care for which our Nation is known 
around the world. Every one of us can and must take an active role in 
the fight against breast cancer.
    As we strive to ensure that our health care system meets the needs 
of all of our citizens, we must be certain that women receive proper 
screening for breast cancer. In concert with self-examination and 
clinical check-ups, mammography can be invaluable. Many cancers can be 
detected on a mammogram as early as 2 years before they would be noticed 
by a woman or her physician. Third-party reimbursement for mammography 
is increasing, Medicare now covers much of the cost of screening for 
women ages 65 or older, and many States now have laws requiring private 
insurers to offer coverage for this procedure. And a major effort is 
under way to inform employers about how businesses can provide screening 
mammography. I urge every State government, insurance company, medical 
facility, and business to follow these examples and to develop policies 
that incorporate this essential test.
    Americans have always relied on partnerships to confront the many 
trials of daily life: partnerships between mothers and fathers to care 
for their children, partnerships between teachers and students to 
prepare for the challenges of the future. So, too, we must depend on one 
another if we are to succeed in the battle against breast cancer. 
Mothers and daughters, patients and physicians, public and private 
sector alike--every one of us must bear responsibility for our health 
and the health of our loved ones. By sharing the lessons of proper 
nutrition in preventing cancer, by emphasizing the importance of regular 
breast examination, and by maintaining an unswerving national commitment 
to basic research, all of us can be life savers.
    The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 185, has designated the 
month of October 1994, as ``National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October 1994, as 
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 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 areas under the 
American flag to issue similar proclamations. I also ask health care 
professionals, members of private industry, community groups, insurance 
companies, and all other interested organizations and individuals to 
unite in reaffirming our Nation's continuing commitment to controlling 
breast cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
nineteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:48 p.m., October 12, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
14.