[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 40 (Monday, October 10, 2005)]
[Pages 1483-1484]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7936--National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2005

 September 30, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer and the 
second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. 
During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we renew our commitment 
to making progress in the fight to prevent, detect, treat, and cure this 
deadly disease.
    Although we do not yet know the exact causes of breast cancer, 
researchers have discovered several factors that can increase a person's 
risk of developing the disease, including age, characteristics of 
certain genes, and a family history of breast cancer. It is important 
for individuals to seek medical advice about risk factors and screening 
methods.
    Because treatment is more likely to be successful when breast cancer 
is detected early, regular screening is vital. The National Cancer 
Institute (NCI) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force 
recommend that women age 40 and over have a mammogram every 1 to 2 
years. Women with an increased risk of breast cancer should talk to 
their doctors about getting mammograms even before the age of 40. To 
increase awareness about the importance of regular screening, the NCI's 
Cancer Information Service Partnership Program collaborates with 
nonprofit, private, and government agencies across the country to 
provide information to people most in need.
    America leads the world in medical research, and we are committed to 
continuing progress in the search for a cure for breast cancer. The 
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the NCI are 
conducting research into genetic and environmental factors that may 
increase breast cancer risk. The NCI is also sponsoring one of the 
largest studies ever conducted on breast cancer prevention, enrolling 
more than 19,000 women. This year alone, the National Institutes of 
Health, the CDC, and the Department of Defense will collectively spend 
more than $850 million on breast cancer research.
    This month, we recognize breast cancer survivors, those battling the 
disease, and the family members and friends who are a tireless source of 
love and encouragement for these individuals. Their courage, hope, and 
faith are an inspiration to all of us. We appreciate the efforts of 
medical professionals and researchers who work to find a cure for this 
deadly disease, and I urge all Americans to talk with friends and loved 
ones about the importance of breast cancer screening and early 
detection. By working together, we can raise awareness and help people 
live longer and healthier lives.
     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 2005 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 preventing and treating 
breast cancer and to finding a cure for this disease.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of September, 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, 9:56 a.m., October 4, 
2005]

[[Page 1484]]

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