[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 13 (Monday, April 3, 2006)]
[Pages 604-605]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7992--Cancer Control Month, 2006

March 29, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    During National Cancer Control Month, we continue the fight against 
cancer and work to reduce the risk of this deadly disease among our 
citizens.
    Cancer survival rates are increasing, with approximately 10 million 
survivors in the United States. New understanding of diseases, better 
diagnostic tools, and innovative treatments help provide hope and 
healing to those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Across our 
country, cancer patients are living longer and fuller lives.
    Despite these advances, cancer is still the second leading cause of 
death in our country, and some cancers, such as breast, prostate, lung, 
leukemia, and melanoma, continue to be too prevalent. By increasing 
public awareness and encouraging people to take appropriate steps to 
protect themselves, we can help prevent certain types of cancer. 
Individuals can reduce the risk of developing the disease by avoiding 
tobacco and excessive alcohol and by making healthy lifestyle choices. 
These include eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding 
significant weight gain. I also encourage all Americans to get regular 
preventive screenings and speak with a health care provider about 
additional ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
    My Administration is dedicated to furthering our progress in the 
fight against cancer. We lead the world in cutting-edge medical 
research, and I have requested $5.9 billion in my fiscal year 2007 
Budget for cancer-related activities within the Department of Health and 
Human Services. America will continue to aggressively fight cancer, 
encourage innovative research, and spread hope to those affected.
    As we observe Cancer Control Month, I commend the strength and 
courage of cancer survivors, whose perseverance is an inspiration to all 
Americans. Our Nation is grateful for the generosity and skill of our 
medical professionals. These healers, along with the

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loving family members and friends of cancer patients, reflect the 
compassionate spirit of our people and help build a healthier future for 
our citizens. Cancer can be prevented, treated, and defeated, and we 
will continue to strive to reach the day when the battle to beat cancer 
has been won.
    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 2006 as Cancer Control Month. I 
encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that 
will increase awareness of how to prevent and control cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, 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, 8:45 a.m., March 31, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
3.