[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 14 (Monday, April 8, 2002)]
[Pages 547-548]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7536--Cancer Control Month, 2002

 April 1, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Our Nation is making important progress in the fight against cancer. 
Today, 8.9 million Americans have survived this disease, and new studies 
indicate that both cancer incidence and death rates have declined in 
recent years. Research and new technology have helped improve our 
ability to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. We understand better and 
are communicating more effectively the preventative power of regular 
exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and greater health awareness. 
Despite this progress, cancer remains a major public health problem that 
affects millions of lives.
    Each day, more than 1,500 Americans die from cancer and 3,500 are 
diagnosed with some form of the disease. But we are closing in on major 
breakthroughs that will lead to new cancer therapies and life-saving 
cures.
    The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is leading the way as it 
explores hundreds of methods to combat and prevent cancer. Recognizing 
that early detection of cancer often makes a difference between life and 
death, the NCI is utilizing revolutionary genetic and biochemical 
processes to develop tests that more effectively detect cancer at its 
earliest stage.
    Scientists are discovering that the use of ultraviolet light 
fluorescence to examine the lungs is more likely to identify 
precancerous lesions than current techniques. Other NCI researchers are 
investigating drugs that may

[[Page 548]]

stop cancerous growths by preventing new blood vessels from reaching the 
tissues. And a new class of drugs, known as bisphosphonates, shows great 
promise against cancer that has spread to the bone. The NCI's important 
work, in coordination with other public and private health agencies, is 
helping to reduce the incidence of cancer and is assisting cancer 
survivors to lead richer, fuller, and longer lives.
    The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Initiative, sponsored by 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a valuable resource 
to support and coordinate cancer control efforts at the Federal, State, 
and local levels. This project helps ensure that cancer prevention, 
detection, and treatment programs across the country work effectively 
with each other by reducing duplicated efforts and missed opportunities. 
My Administration is strongly committed to the fight against cancer and 
will continue to support Federal cancer control programs.
    As we observe Cancer Control Month, I applaud the scientists, 
healthcare providers, and public health professionals who work 
tirelessly to find cures for this disease and to aid and assist the 
patients who suffer from it. I call on all our citizens to learn more 
about cancer by contacting the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-
800-4-CANCER or visiting its Internet address at http://www.cancer.gov. 
I also encourage all Americans to protect their health by promoting 
cancer awareness in their families and communities. Individuals should 
pursue a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, sufficient 
consumption of fruits and vegetables, avoidance of tobacco products, and 
regular age-appropriate cancer screenings. By working together to raise 
awareness about the risks of cancer and the importance of medical 
research, we can improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 
and ultimately defeat this terrible disease.
    In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a joint resolution 
(52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103) as amended, requesting the President to 
issue an annual proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer Control 
Month.''
     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 April 2002 as Cancer 
Control Month. I call on concerned citizens, government agencies, 
private industry, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups 
to reaffirm our Nation's commitment to preventing and curing cancer.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, 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., April 9, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 10.