[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 36 (Monday, September 9, 2002)]
[Pages 1473-1474]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7587--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2002

August 30, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Americans renew 
their commitment to learning more about the causes of this deadly 
disease, so that we can detect it early and treat it effectively.
    Ovarian cancer continues to cause more deaths than any other cancer 
of the female reproductive system. It is estimated that this year alone, 
more than 23,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with 
ovarian cancer, and that almost 14,000 women will die from this disease. 
In cases where ovarian cancer is found and treated in its earliest 
stages, the 5-year survival rate is 95 percent. However, most women who 
suffer from this cancer are not diagnosed until it has become more 
advanced, because their symptoms may be easily confused with other 
diseases. Since early detection and treatment can often mean the 
difference between life and death, developing an effective screening 
test is a great priority.
    Scientists have identified specific substances in the blood that may 
help indicate whether a woman has ovarian cancer before she shows any 
symptoms. Additionally, researchers at the National Cancer Institute and 
the Food and Drug Administration have been working to develop a new type 
of blood test that may be able to diagnose this disease, and eventually 
help save the lives of millions of women. By analyzing protein patterns 
in a single drop of blood, this test was able to recognize ovarian 
cancer in both its early and late stages. I join thousands of American 
women and their families in hoping that this promising research will 
help us in overcoming this terrible disease.
    By increasing awareness of ovarian cancer and its causes, we can 
better prepare women who face the threat of this illness. Researchers 
have learned that age, alterations in genes, and certain hormonal and 
reproductive factors are linked to ovarian cancer risk. Women and their 
doctors should weigh all the risks and benefits of different therapies 
and make informed choices about health care.
    I commend the strength and courage of the women who persevere in the 
face of this serious illness, and I encourage our scientists and 
researchers to redouble their efforts to find more effective prevention, 
diagnostic, and treatment strategies to combat ovarian cancer. 
Additionally, I urge those who suffer from this cancer, and those who 
may be at risk, to talk with their healthcare providers about 
participating in clinical trials for new medical therapies designed to 
combat ovarian cancer. By taking part in these clinical trials, you can 
make important contributions to the knowledge of this disease and 
benefit from cutting edge medical research. As we increase awareness of 
ovarian cancer and advance in our research, we can help bring hope to 
our citizens and draw closer to winning the war on cancer.
    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 2002 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 two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of

[[Page 1474]]

America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 4, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 5. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.