Cancer Control Month, 2004

Proclamation 7765 of April 2, 2004

Cancer Control Month, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

We have made dramatic progress in our fight against
cancer, yet this disease continues to be the second-
leading cause of death in the United States. Cancer
Control Month provides the opportunity for Americans to
learn vital information about cancer prevention,
detection, and treatment.

Medical science is helping cancer victims live
healthier, longer lives. Survival rates are rising, and
today our country has more than 9 million cancer
survivors. However, much work remains to be done.
Researchers estimate that more than 1.3 million people
in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer this
year, and more than 800,000 will die from the disease.

A good diet, regular exercise, and healthy choices help
people reduce their risk of developing many chronic
diseases, including cancer. Research suggests that
being overweight or obese accounts for 14 percent of
cancer deaths among men and 20 percent among women.

Regular check-ups are also important in the fight
against cancer. Preventive health screenings can detect
many forms of cancer at earlier, less dangerous stages,
allowing doctors to stop cancer before it spreads. I
encourage all Americans to talk to their doctors about
preventive screenings and regular check-ups.

As we observe Cancer Control Month, I commend cancer
survivors for their courage and determination. I
applaud medical professionals, researchers, family
members, and friends for their efforts to improve the
lives of those suffering from cancer and for their work
in finding a cure for this devastating disease. I
encourage all Americans to learn more about cancer. By
working together, we can save lives and win the fight
against cancer.

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 2004
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 what
Americans can do to prevent and control cancer.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B