[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 45 (Monday, November 12, 2001)]
[Pages 1599-1600]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7492--National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2001

November 1, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    By observing National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize 
the often devastating effects prostate cancer has on the lives of the 
more than 1 million American men currently suffering from it; and we 
commit ourselves to finding a cure for this disease. Prostate cancer is 
the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in America, excepting skin 
cancer. And it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths 
among men in the United States. This year, almost 200,000 men will be 
diagnosed with prostate cancer, and over 31,000 will die from this 
disease.
    Although the survival rate for those diagnosed with prostate cancer 
continues to rise, this disease nevertheless remains a serious threat to 
the health and well-being of all American men. Research shows that one 
out of every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer sometime 
during their lifetime.
    By increasing awareness about the causes and signs of prostate 
cancer and by expanding research into preventative, remedial, and 
curative therapies, we can save more lives, improve the lives of those 
suffering from this cancer, and reduce its incidence in America. All men 
of middle age, and particularly those above the age of 50, should learn 
the risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic tools that can help with the 
early recognition of prostate cancer, when treatment is most successful. 
It is important to consult a physician about available screening for 
prostate cancer, including digital examinations and prostate specific 
antigen blood tests. These techniques aid doctors in the early diagnosis 
of prostate cancer, and they are essential to continuing the reduction 
of prostate cancer death rates.
    As with most other forms of cancer, modern medical research has 
produced promising new treatment options for prostate cancer that have 
greatly increased the likelihood of survival after diagnosis. However, 
much still remains to be learned about the causes and cures of prostate 
cancer, and I applaud the work of the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention in this area. My Administration also supports increasing 
Federal funding for programs that promote awareness, improve prevention, 
and expand research by the National Institutes of Health, the Department 
of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    These research programs obtain important epidemiological data, 
develop prostate cancer awareness among the public and throughout the 
health care community, and serve as proving grounds for new prostate 
cancer treatments. Charitable organizations and the private sector also 
play important roles in advancing public awareness about the need for 
prostate cancer screening and research, and in serving as a therapeutic 
resource for those suffering from prostate cancer.
    On this occasion, I commend the scientists, physicians, and other 
health professionals who are committed to achieving success in our 
struggle against prostate cancer. I call on all those potentially 
vulnerable to this disease to support this effort by taking preventative 
measures such as observing a healthy lifestyle, talking to your doctor 
about regular screenings, and building awareness of prostate cancer. By 
working together, we will find new therapies to aid those living with 
prostate cancer, increase awareness about its causes and symptoms, and, 
I hope, eventually find a cure for this deadly disease.

[[Page 1600]]

    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 November 2001 as National 
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, 
businesses, communities, health care professionals, educators, 
volunteers, and all the people of the United States to publicly reaffirm 
our Nation's strong and continuing commitment to control and cure 
prostate cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
November, 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, 8:45 a.m., November 5, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 6. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.