[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 36 (Monday, September 8, 2003)]
[Pages 1137-1138]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7699--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

 September 1, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    It is estimated that more than 25,000 American women will be 
diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and that more than 14,000 will 
die from this disease. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 
we seek to increase understanding of ovarian cancer and the importance 
of early detection, and to recognize the advances made to eliminate this 
disease.
    Early detection and education are critical to treating ovarian 
cancer. Today, only half of the women diagnosed with this disease are 
expected to survive 5 years or more. However, the 5-year survival rate 
for those whose cancer is detected early is more than 90 percent. When 
the disease is discovered in its early stages, doctors are able to treat 
it with standard methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation 
therapy.
    Researchers have made significant progress in developing screening 
tests that can accurately diagnose ovarian cancer. Much work remains, 
however, before we can reliably detect the disease in its earliest 
stages when treatment is most effective. I urge all women to talk to 
their doctors about ovarian cancer and the best course of action to 
detect and treat this deadly disease. Doing so is particularly important 
for women aged 40 or older, those with a family history of ovarian 
cancer, and those with a personal history of breast, endometrial, or 
colon cancer. And I urge individuals across the country to learn more 
about this disease and what can be done to reduce the number of 
individuals who suffer from it.
    In addition to encouraging early detection and increasing awareness 
about ovarian cancer, we must continue to advance our knowledge through 
research. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
the National Cancer Institute, the Department

[[Page 1138]]

of Defense, the Food and Drug Administration, other Federal agencies, 
and private companies are working hard to discover the causes of ovarian 
cancer and to design more effective screening and treatment options. 
Through their research, we hope to learn how to reduce the chances of 
developing this disease, how to recognize it in its earliest stages, and 
how to successfully treat women in every stage of ovarian cancer. The 
vision and determination of these professionals, along with the courage 
of the women who participate in clinical trials, are helping to turn 
today's research advances into tomorrow's success stories.
    My Administration remains committed to supporting research efforts 
to help find a cure for ovarian cancer. My fiscal year 2004 budget 
proposal includes more than $5.6 billion for cancer research at the 
National Institutes of Health. This investment will lead to a better 
understanding of ovarian cancer and greater hope for women who suffer 
from this disease. Through education and continued research, we can win 
the fight against ovarian cancer and save the lives of thousands of 
American 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 2003 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 first day of 
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 4, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 5.