[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 41 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Pages 2216-2217]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7823--National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2004

 October 1, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we raise awareness of 
this deadly disease, encourage early detection, and support research to 
find a cure.
    Prevention and early detection are key to winning the fight against 
breast cancer. Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, 
factors that can affect the risk of developing cancer include age, 
general health, and family history. This year, estimates are that over 
200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Regular screening 
for breast cancer continues to be the most effective way to detect this 
disease early and to save lives, and mammograms are the best screening 
tool we currently have. Women should talk to their health care providers 
about their breast cancer risk.
    To improve the quality of life and find a cure for those affected by 
breast cancer, we are learning more about its causes. The National 
Institutes of Health has invested an estimated $700 million this year 
alone on breast cancer research and will spend more next year. The 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has devoted over $200 million 
this year and more next year for an early detection program that 
promotes mammograms and helps low-income women afford screenings for 
breast and cervical cancer. The Department of Defense also invested 
approximately $150 million for its Breast Cancer Research program in 
2004. This funding will help lead to better treatments for cancer 
patients and new hope for countless Americans and their families.
    We salute breast cancer survivors for their courage and 
perseverance. Their courageous battle against cancer is an inspiration 
to countless Americans, and their willingness to share their stories and 
experiences helps spread awareness and offers hope and comfort to cancer 
patients across the country. Together with health care professionals, 
researchers, and family members, we can improve the lives of those 
suffering from this disease and win the fight against 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 October 2004 as 
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon Government 
officials, businesses, communities, health care 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 first day of 
October, 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, 8:45 a.m., October 5, 
2004]

[[Page 2217]]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 2, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 6.