[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 41 (Monday, October 13, 2003)]
[Pages 1325-1326]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7711--National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

 October 3, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Breast cancer touches the lives of many Americans, either directly 
or through the diagnosis of a family member or friend. We have made 
considerable progress in diagnosing this disease and improving 
treatments, but we have not ended it. While overall death rates are 
declining, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer 
deaths among women. During this 19th annual National Breast Cancer 
Awareness Month, we recognize the efforts being made to fight breast 
cancer through prevention, early detection, and aggressive research into 
new treatments and therapies.
    Monthly self exams and mammograms are still the best ways to detect 
breast cancer at an early, treatable stage. The National Cancer 
Institute (NCI) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force 
agree that for women who are 40 or over, a mammogram every 1 to 2 years 
can greatly reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. I encourage all 
women to consult with their physicians to obtain appropriate screenings 
to help with early detection.
    This year in the United States, an estimated 212,000 individuals 
will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,000 will die of 
the disease. My Administration is committed to building on the research 
that has already advanced our knowledge of the causes of and possible 
cures for breast cancer. The NCI invested an estimated $564.6 million 
this year in breast cancer research and will spend approximately $584 
million next year. Continued research provides the opportunity to better 
understand the causes of breast cancer and how we can better prevent, 
detect, and treat it. The United States Postal Service is also helping 
with the fight. Proceeds from the Postal Service's Breast Cancer 
Awareness stamp go to breast cancer research. Since the launch of this 
special stamp, more than $33 million has been raised to help search for 
a cure.
    I urge all Americans to raise awareness of breast cancer by talking 
with family members and friends about the importance of screening and 
early detection. By educating ourselves and working together, we will 
improve our ability to prevent, detect, treat, and ultimately cure 
breast 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 the month of October 2003 
as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon Government 
officials, businesses, communities, healthcare professionals, educators, 
volunteers, and all the people of the United States to continue our 
Nation's strong commitment to controlling and curing breast cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
October, 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., October 7, 
2003]

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

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