[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 38 (Monday, September 20, 2004)]
[Pages 1950-1951]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7810--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2004

 September 10, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Ovarian cancer affects thousands of Americans each year. During this 
time of tremendous medical breakthroughs, we are seeing progress in the 
effort to overcome this disease, but our work is not finished. National 
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity for our citizens 
to learn more about early detection and treatment for this deadly 
cancer.
    Although new cases of ovarian cancer in the United States have been 
decreasing for more than a decade, the American Cancer Society estimates 
that about 25,000 women will be diagnosed this year and over 16,000 will 
die from the disease. Family and personal history can affect the 
likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. Women should talk with their 
doctors and health care providers about preventative screenings and the 
benefits and risks of different tests. Understanding risk factors and 
the importance of a healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in our efforts 
to save lives and reduce the number of women who suffer from ovarian 
cancer.
    As with many cancers, the chance for successful treatment of ovarian 
cancer increases with early detection. The medical community continues 
to work on developing an effective screening test that can detect the 
disease in its early stages when symptoms may not exist or are very 
difficult to diagnose. The National Institutes of Health has invested 
more than $120 million this year in ovarian cancer research and expects 
to invest more in 2005. Through the National Cancer Institute's Ovarian 
Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Study, scientists are following 
women at increased risk for the cancer to assess how preemptive surgery 
and screening methods affect ovarian cancer occurrence and quality

[[Page 1951]]

of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Ovarian Cancer 
Control Initiative will also focus on factors related to early detection 
and treatment.
    The United States continues to stay on the leading edge of new 
discoveries in medicine, and my Administration remains committed to 
providing the resources necessary to learn the causes, understand the 
symptoms, and find a cure for ovarian cancer. During this month, we 
reaffirm our dedication to these goals and recognize the strength and 
courage of the women who have suffered from this disease. We also 
recognize the families, friends, and loved ones who support and 
encourage these brave women. By working together, we can bring the hope 
of a healthier future to women in the fight against ovarian 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 2004 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 tenth day of 
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:09 a.m., September 
14, 2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 15. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.