[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 14 (Monday, April 11, 2005)]
[Pages 569-570]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7884--Cancer Control Month, 2005

 April 5, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    We are making great gains in the fight against cancer. Advances in 
prevention, early detection, and treatment are reducing cancer rates and 
increasing the likelihood of survival. Despite this progress, cancer 
remains the second leading cause of death in America. During Cancer 
Control Month, we continue to work to learn more about cancer prevention 
and detection, promote efforts to find better treatments and a cure, and 
support cancer patients, survivors, and their families.
    A healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of developing certain types 
of cancer. This year, the Department of Health and Human Services 
released new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, which emphasize 
reducing caloric intake, eating healthy foods, and increasing physical 
activity. I encourage all Americans to follow these guidelines, to use 
sunscreen and limit exposure to the sun, and to avoid tobacco and 
alcohol abuse. I also urge citizens to talk with their doctors about 
their cancer risk and to get regular check-ups and preventive 
screenings. Detecting cancer early increases survival rates and saves 
lives.
    There are nearly 9.8 million cancer survivors in the United States 
today because of advances in health care. Aggressive funding will lead 
scientists to earlier diagnoses and improved treatments for lung, 
colorectal, and other cancers. My Administration proposed more than $5.6 
billion for cancer prevention, treatment, and research through the 
National Institutes of Health in my fiscal year 2006

[[Page 570]]

budget. These funds will help scientists learn more about this 
devastating disease and offer new hope for countless Americans and their 
families.
    As we observe this month, we honor cancer survivors for their 
inspiring examples of courage, steadfast strength, and willingness to 
share their stories and experiences with others. We recognize the 
families, friends, and loved ones who support and encourage those living 
with cancer. And we remain grateful to our scientists and medical 
professionals, who make America's health care system the best in the 
world. Together, we can help all our citizens live healthier, longer 
lives.
    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 2005 as Cancer Control Month. I 
encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that 
raise awareness about how all Americans can prevent and control cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, 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., April 7, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on April 6, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
April 8.