[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 10 (Monday, March 10, 2003)]
[Pages 264-266]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7650--National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

 February 28, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Colorectal cancer touches the lives of many Americans. This year, it 
is estimated that more than 148,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will 
be diagnosed. More than 56,000 people may die from this disease, making 
it a leading cause of cancer death in our Nation. We have achieved great 
progress in understanding what causes

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colorectal cancer, and how it develops and spreads. This fourth national 
observance once again helps increase awareness. Increased awareness can 
help us reach my Administration's goal, known as ``Healthy People 
2010,'' administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, to 
reduce the rate of colorectal cancer deaths by 34 percent by the year 
2010.
    Like many cancers, the development of colorectal cancer can take 
many years. Screening is an important tool to help detect colorectal 
cancer early by identifying precancerous growths or polyps, when 
treatment is more likely to be successful.
    More than 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with colorectal 
cancer are over the age of 50. Yet, recent data indicates that less than 
40 percent of adults age 50 or older have had one of the available 
colorectal cancer screening tests within recommended intervals. 
Researchers estimate that if everyone age 50 or older received regular 
colorectal cancer screenings, at least one-third of the deaths would be 
prevented.
    Individuals must realize the importance of talking with their 
healthcare providers about when to begin screening, which tests to have, 
the benefits and risks of each test, and how often to schedule 
appointments. To help our citizens detect this disease, the Centers for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides Medicare coverage for 
regular colorectal cancer screening tests to help detect precancerous 
conditions or colorectal cancer early.
    The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the National 
Institutes of Health, is the Nation's principal research agency in the 
fight against colorectal cancer. The NCI invested approximately $245 
million in 2002, and it will dedicate an estimated $267 million this 
year to advance our understanding of this disease. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also plays an important role in our 
efforts to save lives and reduce the burden of colorectal cancer. Last 
year, the CDC allocated $12 million to educate the public and health 
professionals about colorectal cancer screening, and to conduct and 
support research efforts related to increasing national colorectal 
cancer screening rates.
    The CDC, CMS, and NCI are participating together in the Screen for 
Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign to educate Americans 
aged 50 and older, particularly minority groups, about the benefits of 
colorectal cancer screening. Another coordinated effort is the Health 
Disparities Collaboratives, a public-private partnership that involves 
the Health Resources and Services Administration, CDC, NCI, and the 
Institute for Healthcare Improvement. These groups are focusing on 
screening and follow-up care for people who traditionally lack access to 
quality health care.
    During this month, I encourage Americans to join me in the crucial 
effort to save lives by taking action against colorectal cancer by 
talking with healthcare providers about screening, telling friends and 
family members about the importance of early detection, and providing 
support for those diagnosed with colorectal cancer. By working together 
to increase awareness and supporting research about this disease, we can 
make a difference in the lives of our citizens and people around the 
world.
     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 March 2003 as National 
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon all Americans to reaffirm 
our Nation's continuing commitment to controlling and curing colorectal 
cancer.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth 
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:11 a.m., March 4, 
2003]

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

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