[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 35 (Monday, September 3, 2001)]
[Pages 1246-1247]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7459--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2001

August 30, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Ovarian cancer, the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, is the 
fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. 
Experts predict that more than 23,000 cases will be diagnosed in 2001, 
with an estimated 13,900 women dying from the disease this year.
    Ovarian cancer is very treatable when detected early, but only 25 
percent of ovarian cancer cases in the United States are diagnosed in 
the early stages. The vast majority of cases are not diagnosed until the 
cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, often because symptoms are easily 
confused with other diseases and because no reliable, easily 
administered screening tool exists.
    When the disease is diagnosed in advanced stages, the chance of 5-
year survival is only about 25 percent. Currently, 50 percent of

[[Page 1247]]

women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die from it within 5 years. Among 
African-American women, only 48 percent survive 5 years or more.
    Early detection of this disease remains the best way to save women's 
lives. Symptoms may include abdominal pressure or bloating, persistent 
digestive problems, excessive fatigue, and sometimes abnormal bleeding. 
Women also should be aware that risk factors are higher for those who 
are over 50 years of age, who have a personal or family history of 
ovarian, breast, or colon cancer, and who have not borne a child.
    National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important time 
to recognize Federally funded research efforts by the National Cancer 
Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the 
Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program. Their work has 
achieved great strides, and my Administration is committed to continuing 
funding of research that will decrease the high mortality from ovarian 
cancer and ultimately prevent the disease. At the same time, the medical 
community and nonprofit groups are working together to create more 
awareness about the disease and spotlight the need for continued 
research into prevention, early detection tools, advanced therapies, and 
possible cures.
    During this special observance, I commend the scientists, 
physicians, and other medical and health professionals who are working 
to advance knowledge and understanding of ovarian cancer. I also 
encourage all Americans to learn more about the disease and the 
importance of early detection. Doing so can save lives and protect the 
health and well-being of countless women.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, 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 as National 
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United 
States to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:52 a.m., September 4, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on August 31, and it will be published in the Federal Register 
on September 5.