[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 36 (Monday, September 8, 2003)]
[Pages 1138-1139]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7700--National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

 September 1, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer among men 
in the United States. This year alone, it is estimated that more than 
220,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and that nearly 
29,000 men will die from this disease. During National Prostate Cancer 
Awareness Month, we seek to increase understanding about the risk 
factors of prostate cancer, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and 
the benefits of detecting the disease in its earliest stages, when it is 
most treatable.
    Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, several 
factors have been found to increase the risk of developing this disease. 
Men aged 65 years or older make up about 70 percent of all diagnosed 
prostate cancer cases. In addition, a man's risk of developing prostate 
cancer doubles if a father or brother has been diagnosed with the 
disease.
    Making healthy choices is critical to prevent prostate cancer and 
many other diseases. Research suggests that some men may be able to 
reduce their risk of prostate cancer by eating healthy foods and 
exercising on a regular basis.
    Early detection is important in successfully treating prostate 
cancer. Preventative screenings can reveal a man's current health status 
and identify whether he needs to adjust his diet or behavior. I urge 
men, particularly those over 50, to learn more about the disease and to 
talk to their doctors about when to start preventative screening. 
Healthcare providers can advise men as to which tests are most 
appropriate. Through early detection and treatment, we can reduce the 
number of deaths caused by prostate cancer.
    Today, our Nation is on the leading edge of new discoveries. As we 
continue to make

[[Page 1139]]

advancements in medicine, my Administration remains committed to 
learning the causes of prostate cancer and finding a cure. My fiscal 
year 2004 budget proposal includes more than $13 million for the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct, support, and promote 
efforts that increase awareness of screening and early detection, and 
more than $5.6 billion for cancer research at the National Institutes of 
Health. Through my HealthierUS Initiative, my Administration is also 
encouraging all citizens to lead healthier lives by eating right, 
exercising, and taking advantage of preventative screening. By working 
together, we will improve our ability to prevent, treat, and cure 
prostate 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 2003 as 
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government 
officials, businesses, communities, healthcare professionals, educators, 
volunteers, and all people of the United States to reaffirm our Nation's 
strong and continuing commitment to prevent, treat, and cure prostate 
cancer.
     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.