National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

Proclamation 9484 of September 1, 2016

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Causing more deaths than any other female reproductive
system cancers, ovarian cancer affects women of all
ages and backgrounds. But the incidence of ovarian
cancer, and its death rate, have fallen in recent
years. Today, cancer research is on the cusp of major
breakthroughs, and it is of critical national
importance that we accelerate this progress and keep
reaching for prevention, treatment, and a cure. Each
September, in honor of the women who have been taken by
ovarian cancer and the brave individuals still fighting
this disease, we reaffirm our commitment to carrying
forward this important work.

It is estimated that more than 22,000 American women
will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and
due to a lack of effective screening tests and early
warning signs, many of these cases will be caught at an
advanced stage--making the cancer more difficult to
treat, with a lower chance for recovery. Ovarian cancer
is more common among older women and those who have it
in their family history, but because most women are
diagnosed without being at high risk, it is crucial
that all women consult with their health care providers
when experiencing some of its symptoms, which include
pressure, swelling, and abdominal pain. I encourage
everyone to visit www.Cancer.gov/Ovarian to learn more
about the signs and symptoms of this disease.

Under the Affordable Care Act, annual and lifetime
limits on insurance coverage have been eliminated, and
critical preventive services like well-woman visits--
which are now available without a copay or deductible--
have been expanded for millions more women. The Act
also prohibits insurance companies from denying
coverage based on a pre-existing condition, including
cancer, or from denying coverage due to a family
history of cancer.

Earlier this year, I announced a new national effort to
cure cancer. Led by Vice President Joe Biden, the White
House Cancer Moonshot Task Force is promoting research
efforts and breaking down barriers to progress to
eliminate cancer as we know it. With the help of a
nearly $1 billion initiative to jumpstart this work, we
are harnessing the spirit of American innovation to
identify new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat
cancer. The Task Force builds on the important work
that Federal agencies have already been doing
throughout my time in office to fight ovarian cancer.
The Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research
Program is supporting high-impact, cutting-edge
research where it is needed most and has helped push
these research priorities forward. And the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention has striven to raise
awareness of the main types of gynecologic cancer,
including ovarian cancer, and to encourage women to
learn of warning signs and seek medical care.

For the mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, and
families who face the pain and heartache of ovarian
cancer, we must make America the country that cures
cancer once and for all. During National Ovarian Cancer
Awareness Month, as we recognize those in the medical
community who work tirelessly to provide treatment and
care and pay tribute to those who have lost their

lives to this disease, let us resolve to increase
awareness of ovarian cancer and shape a cancer-free
future.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2016 as
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon
citizens, government agencies, organizations, health
care providers, and research institutions to raise
ovarian cancer awareness and continue helping Americans
live longer, healthier lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-first.