[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 38 (Monday, September 21, 1998)]
[Pages 1773-1774]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7120--Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week, 1998

September 12, 1998

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    We have many weapons at hand in our war against cancer, and among 
the most effective

[[Page 1774]]

is early diagnosis. With ovarian cancer in particular--sometimes called 
the ``silent killer'' because it shows no obvious signs or symptoms 
until late in its development--early diagnosis can mean the difference 
between life and death. Of the estimated 26,000 American women who were 
diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, an estimated 14,000 died. 
Currently, almost 70 percent of women with ovarian cancer are not 
diagnosed until the disease is in its advanced stages; in many cases, 
the cancer has already spread by the time it is discovered.
    We know relatively little about why some women develop this deadly 
disease. While every woman is at risk, we do know that ovarian cancer 
occurs somewhat more frequently in women who have never been pregnant. 
Women who have had breast cancer or who have a family history of breast 
or ovarian cancer are also at increased risk. There are other genetic 
factors as well that can affect the incidence of ovarian cancer.
    We do have hope in our fight against this cancer. Scientists at 
medical centers and hospitals across our Nation are developing 
significant new information that holds promise for the future, 
particularly for research in genetic susceptibility and prevention, 
diagnostic imaging, screening and diagnosis, and treatment. For example, 
because of their knowledge about the ovarian cancer risk genes, 
researchers are now able to work on developing prevention and screening 
with women in families at high risk. Researchers are also making 
progress in the area of treatment through improvements in existing 
chemotherapy regimens.
    While we take heart from these promising developments, we also 
recognize the need for an increased awareness and understanding of 
ovarian cancer. As we observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week and affirm 
our national commitment to fighting this devastating disease, I 
encourage all American women and their families to learn more about 
ovarian cancer, and I urge health care professionals to emphasize to 
their patients the importance of regular examinations. By doing so, we 
can build on the progress we have made in our crusade against cancer and 
ensure healthier, longer lives for women.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 
13 through September 19, 1998, as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week. I 
encourage the American people to observe this week with appropriate 
ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of 
September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twenty-third.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 15, 
1998]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 16. This message was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 14.