[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 13 (Monday, April 1, 1996)]
[Pages 586-587]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6875--Cancer Control Month, 1996

March 29, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Research and the prompt application of research results have proved 
to be the strongest weapons we have against cancer. And we are making 
great strides in the study of this deadly disease. Indeed, the 
understanding of the processes by which a normal cell is transformed 
into a cancer cell is one of the great achievements of cancer research. 
Genetic studies are leading to better understanding of many cancers and 
improving our ability to intervene and stop their spread. While the 
implications of some findings are still unclear, we know that further 
progress hinges on continued scientific inquiry, and we understand that 
basic research must remain a national priority. In addition, all of us 
can act on information already at hand to make lifestyle choices that 
reduce the risk of developing cancer.
    Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United 
States and contributed to nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in our 
Nation last year. In addition to causing 400,000 deaths, smoking left 
others living with cancer, respiratory illness, heart disease, and other 
illnesses. Despite the clear link between smoking and these illnesses 
and deaths, each day 3,000 young Americans begin to smoke--a habit that 
will shorten the lives of 1,000 of them. We must address this problem. 
That is why the Food and Drug Administration proposed ways to limit 
young people's access to tobacco, as well as ways to limit the 
advertising that is so appealing to our youth. That is also why this 
Administration published the Synar regulation--to ensure that States 
have and enforce laws prohibiting sales of tobacco to young people.
    Scientific evidence has also led to an increased understanding of 
the links between the foods we eat and certain types of cancer. 

[[Page 587]]

By reducing dietary fat, increasing fiber intake, consuming a variety of 
fruits and vegetables, and avoiding obesity, every American can take 
steps to reduce the risk of cancer. The National Cancer Institute, in 
collaboration with the food industry, sponsors ``5 A Day For Better 
Health,'' a national program that encourages people to eat five or more 
servings of fruits and vegetables daily. And researchers continue to 
investigate nutrition programs that may have the potential to prevent 
cancer.
    Mammography is another resource that can make a vital contribution 
to cancer control efforts, helping doctors detect breast tumors at an 
early, more treatable stage. Indeed, 93 percent of all women diagnosed 
with early breast cancer this year will live 5 years or longer. 
Recognizing the importance of this diagnostic tool, third-party 
reimbursement for mammograms is on the rise, and Medicare covers most of 
the cost of screening mammography for women over the age of 65. I 
encourage State governments, insurance providers, medical facilities, 
and employers to develop policies that improve women's access to this 
life-saving, affordable procedure.
    In another step forward, the Food and Drug Administration has 
proposed changing its review process for new cancer therapies. This new 
approach will shorten development time by several years, and the FDA is 
also cutting its own review time in half--from a year to about 6 months. 
All of these changes mean new therapies will be available sooner and 
will be accessible to more of our Nation's cancer patients. The FDA's 
initiative could immediately affect at least 100 drugs now being 
studied--with dozens of them getting to the market sooner--and improve 
the lives of millions of Americans who can take advantage of those 
therapies.
    To publicize these advances and options, the National Cancer 
Institute's Cancer Information Service helps patients, health 
professionals, and the public in all 50 States and Puerto Rico. Toll-
free telephone service provides accurate, up-do-date information about 
prevention and detection methods, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, 
and research. In addition, the CIS' outreach system has developed 
partnerships with other cancer organizations and Federal, State, and 
local health agencies to promote cancer education initiatives aimed at 
medically underserved and other special populations.
    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Cancer Act, 
which expanded and intensified America's efforts to stop cancer. We can 
take pride in the gains that have been made toward this goal during the 
past quarter-century, but we must also remember the essential work that 
remains. As we observe Cancer Control Month, let us renew and strengthen 
our abiding commitment to controlling and eliminating this disease so 
that our children and grandchildren can lead longer, healthier lives.
    In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a joint resolution 
requesting the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April 
as ``Cancer Control Month.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim April 1996, as Cancer Control 
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 call upon health care professionals, private 
industry, community groups, insurance companies, and all interested 
organizations and individuals to unite in support of our Nation's 
determined efforts to control cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:54 a.m., April 1, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 2.