[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 35 (Monday, September 5, 2005)]
[Pages 1327-1328]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7919--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2005

August 29, 2005

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among 
women in the United States. Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed 
with ovarian cancer, and thousands die from the disease. During National 
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we strive to raise awareness of ovarian 
cancer and promote early detection and treatment of this disease.
    Early detection is essential to the successful treatment of ovarian 
cancer. The 5-year survival rate is higher than 90 percent for ovarian 
cancer patients whose disease is caught during the first stage of 
development. Most ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced 
stage, however, because no reliable screening test exists for the 
disease. Because the early signs of ovarian cancer are easy to miss and 
often resemble the signs of other conditions, it is important for women 
to talk with their doctors about detection and be aware of the risk 
factors and symptoms of this cancer.
    There is more we need to learn about how best to prevent, detect, 
and treat ovarian cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is 
currently sponsoring a study on genetic and environmental factors that 
may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. In addition, the NCI is 
sponsoring clinical trials to explore new ways to screen for and detect 
ovarian cancer. Researchers are studying new treatment options, 
including biological therapies, anticancer drugs, vaccines, and other 
therapies to treat resistant forms of ovarian cancer. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention will spend almost $4.6 million, and the 
Department of Defense's Ovarian Cancer Research Program will invest an 
estimated $10 million.
    As we observe National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize 
the courage and strength of women battling ovarian cancer, and of their 
families and friends who love and support them. Our Nation is grateful 
for the hard work and commitment of our dedicated researchers and 
medical professionals. With continued effort, we can raise awareness of 
ovarian cancer and find new ways to prevent and treat this deadly 
disease.
    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 2005 as National 
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government officials,

[[Page 1328]]

businesses, communities, health care professionals, educators, 
volunteers, and all people of the United States to continue our Nation's 
strong commitment to preventing and treating ovarian cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:36 a.m., August 30, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on August 
31.