[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 35 (Monday, September 4, 2006)]
[Pages 1529-1530]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8045--National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2006

August 29, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The United States continues to move forward in its fight against 
cancer, yet an estimated 27,000 American sons, fathers, brothers, and 
husbands will be lost to prostate cancer this year. As we observe 
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we underscore our commitment 
to defeating prostate cancer by raising awareness about its risk 
factors, promoting the importance of early detection and treatment, and 
advancing our understanding of the disease and how to stop it.
    Medical research has shown that there are steps men can take to 
reduce their chance of developing prostate cancer. For many men, regular 
exercise and healthy eating habits may decrease the likelihood of 
developing this deadly disease. Men over the age of 50, African-American 
men, and men with family medical histories that include prostate cancer 
face the greatest risk--and they can realize the greatest benefits from 
early detection, when treatment is most effective. All men should 
discuss their risk of prostate cancer with their physicians, determine 
the best screening and early-detection options, and adopt healthy 
lifestyles. Young men are also encouraged to find out whether a family

[[Page 1530]]

member has ever been diagnosed with prostate cancer and to seek medical 
advice at an earlier age if a medical history exists.
    The progress we have made in the battle against prostate cancer is 
remarkable, yet more work remains. America leads the world in cutting-
edge medical research, and the Federal Government will continue to do 
its part to support work that will lead to better diagnostic tools and 
innovative treatments for prostate cancer. By providing substantial 
funding for programs at the National Institutes of Health, National 
Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 
Department of Defense, my Administration aims to improve our ability to 
prevent, detect, treat, and ultimately cure prostate cancer.
    During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, America honors the 
victims and survivors of prostate cancer and applauds the family members 
and friends who provide love and encouragement. We also commend the 
medical professionals and researchers who are working to administer 
care, improve treatments, and find cures. Prostate cancer can be 
defeated, and we will continue this fight until the day when the battle 
to beat prostate cancer has been won.
    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 2006 as National 
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, 
businesses, communities, health care professionals, educators, and the 
people of the United States to reaffirm our Nation's strong and ongoing 
campaign against prostate cancer.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., August 31, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 1.