[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 34 (Monday, September 1, 2008)]
[Pages 1157-1158]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8281--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2008

 August 26, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we remember those 
whose lives have been affected by this deadly disease, and we underscore 
our commitment to battling ovarian cancer for the sake of women around 
the world.
    Each year, thousands of American women are diagnosed with ovarian 
cancer. Many will lose their lives to this disease. Because ovarian 
cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, it is vital for women to 
make regular visits to their doctors for screenings and to discuss risk 
factors and warning signs. Early detection is the best way to help 
doctors diagnose cancer before it has a chance to spread. It also makes 
treatment more effective and

[[Page 1158]]

increases the chances for survival. I encourage all women to learn more 
about preventive measures and screening options that may help to save 
their lives.
    America leads the world in medical research, and my Administration 
remains dedicated to the fight against ovarian cancer. I signed the 
``Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005,'' or 
``Johanna's Law,'' that helps to raise awareness among women and health 
care providers about female reproductive cancers. Additionally, the 
National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention are conducting important research to help make the 
innovative advances we need in order to eradicate this disease. NIH's 
Cancer Genome Atlas is also helping researchers gain a greater 
understanding of the genetic sources of cancer. Together, we will 
continue building on our progress until there is a cure for cancer. As 
we observe National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we honor those who 
have fought this disease. We also recognize the compassionate 
caregivers, doctors, and researchers who are dedicated to preventing, 
detecting, and treating ovarian cancer.
     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 the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2008 as 
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government 
officials, businesses, communities, health care professionals, 
educators, volunteers, and the 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-sixth 
day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., August 28, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on August 
29.