[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 15 (Monday, April 12, 2004)]
[Page 531]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7765--Cancer Control Month, 2004

 April 2, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    We have made dramatic progress in our fight against cancer, yet this 
disease continues to be the second-leading cause of death in the United 
States. Cancer Control Month provides the opportunity for Americans to 
learn vital information about cancer prevention, detection, and 
treatment.
    Medical science is helping cancer victims live healthier, longer 
lives. Survival rates are rising, and today our country has more than 9 
million cancer survivors. However, much work remains to be done. 
Researchers estimate that more than 1.3 million people in the United 
States will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and more than 800,000 
will die from the disease.
    A good diet, regular exercise, and healthy choices help people 
reduce their risk of developing many chronic diseases, including cancer. 
Research suggests that being overweight or obese accounts for 14 percent 
of cancer deaths among men and 20 percent among women.
    Regular check-ups are also important in the fight against cancer. 
Preventive health screenings can detect many forms of cancer at earlier, 
less dangerous stages, allowing doctors to stop cancer before it 
spreads. I encourage all Americans to talk to their doctors about 
preventive screenings and regular check-ups.
    As we observe Cancer Control Month, I commend cancer survivors for 
their courage and determination. I applaud medical professionals, 
researchers, family members, and friends for their efforts to improve 
the lives of those suffering from cancer and for their work in finding a 
cure for this devastating disease. I encourage all Americans to learn 
more about cancer. By working together, we can save lives and win the 
fight against cancer.
    In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a joint resolution 
(52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103) as amended, requesting the President to 
issue an annual proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer Control 
Month.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim April 2004 as Cancer Control Month. I 
encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that 
will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control 
cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, 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, 8:58 a.m., April 6, 
2004]

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