National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

Proclamation 7650 of February 28, 2003

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Colorectal cancer touches the lives of many Americans.
This year, it is estimated that more than 148,000 new
cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed. More than
56,000 people may die from this disease, making it a
leading cause of cancer death in our Nation. We have
achieved great progress in understanding what causes
colorectal cancer, and how it develops and spreads.
This fourth national observance once again helps
increase awareness. Increased awareness can help us
reach my Administration's goal, known as ``Healthy
People 2010,'' administered by the Department of Health
and Human Services, to reduce the rate of colorectal
cancer deaths by 34 percent by the year 2010.

Like many cancers, the development of colorectal cancer
can take many years. Screening is an important tool to
help detect colorectal cancer early by identifying
precancerous growths or polyps, when treatment is more
likely to be successful.

More than 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with
colorectal cancer are over the age of 50. Yet, recent
data indicates that less than 40 percent of adults age
50 or older have had one of the available colorectal
cancer screening tests within recommended intervals.
Researchers estimate that if everyone age 50 or older
received regular colorectal cancer screenings, at least
one-third of the deaths would be prevented.

Individuals must realize the importance of talking with
their healthcare providers about when to begin
screening, which tests to have, the benefits and risks
of each test, and how often to schedule appointments.
To help our citizens detect this disease, the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides
Medicare coverage for regular colorectal cancer
screening tests to help detect precancerous conditions
or colorectal cancer early.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the
National Institutes of Health, is the Nation's
principal research agency in the fight against
colorectal cancer. The NCI invested approximately $245
million in 2002, and it will dedicate an estimated $267
million this year to advance our understanding of this
disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) also plays an important role in our efforts to
save lives and reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.
Last year, the CDC allocated $12 million to educate the
public and health professionals about colorectal cancer
screening, and to conduct and support research efforts
related to increasing national colorectal cancer
screening rates.

The CDC, CMS, and NCI are participating together in the
Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action
Campaign to educate Americans aged 50 and older,
particularly minority groups, about the benefits of
colorectal cancer screening. Another coordinated effort
is the Health Disparities Collaboratives, a public-
private partnership that involves the Health Resources
and Services Administration, CDC, NCI, and the
Institute for Healthcare Improvement. These groups are
focusing on screening and follow-up care for people who
traditionally lack access to quality health care.

During this month, I encourage Americans to join me in
the crucial effort to save lives by taking action
against colorectal cancer by talking with healthcare
providers about screening, telling friends and family
members about the importance of early detection, and
providing support for those diagnosed with colorectal
cancer. By working together to increase awareness and
supporting research about this disease, we can make a
difference in the lives of our citizens and people
around the world.

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 March 2003 as National
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon all
Americans to reaffirm our Nation's continuing
commitment to controlling and curing colorectal cancer.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B