National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2005

Proclamation 7936 of September 30, 2005

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B