National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

Proclamation 9401 of February 29, 2016

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, more than 130,000 Americans are diagnosed
with colorectal cancer, and it kills nearly 50,000--
making it the second leading cause of cancer deaths in
the United States. Colorectal cancer touches too many,
and together, we must work to lift up those who have
been affected by it and all who remain vulnerable to
it. This month, as we remember the loved ones we have
lost and lift up those who continue to fight colorectal
cancer, we strive to save lives by raising awareness of
this disease and encouraging everyone to take measures
to prevent it.

Although age, obesity, and certain genetic mutations
can increase risk of colorectal cancer, all Americans
should be aware of its risk factors, which include
being physically inactive, having an unhealthy diet,
smoking cigarettes, and consuming alcohol in excess.
People who have had inflammatory bowel disease or who
have a family history of colorectal cancer may also be
at particularly high risk. While people of all ages
should consult a physician about their susceptibility,
individuals between ages 50 and 75 are encouraged to
get regular screenings. Symptoms such as blood in
stool, persistent stomach pains, and inexplicable
weight loss can be present, but sometimes no symptoms
occur, which is why early detection and treatment are
key for battling colorectal cancer. I urge all people
to visit www.Cancer.gov for more information, including
early warning signs and tips for prevention.

I am committed to combating all forms of cancer--
including colorectal cancer--and to reaching a future
when no family knows the pain cancer causes. Earlier
this year, I announced a new initiative led by Vice
President Joe Biden: a national effort to put the
United States on a path to becoming the country that
finally cures cancer once and for all--aiming within 5
years to make critical advances that may have otherwise
taken more than a decade to achieve. And we have
already proposed a $1 billion initiative to kick off
this critical work. The Affordable Care Act now
requires health care plans to cover certain recommended
preventive services, including many screening tests for
cancer, at no additional cost--an important provision
that helps ensure more people can access critical
tests. It also prohibits insurance companies from
charging more for pre-existing conditions, including
cancer. While work remains to be done to confront the
challenges posed by colorectal cancer, we have made
great progress in fighting it and informing people of
its dangers.

All people deserve to lead long, happy, and healthy
lives, and nobody should be robbed of that promise due
to the devastating impacts of colorectal cancer. During
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, let us
honor the legacy of those we have lost to this cancer
by spreading awareness of it, uplifting all who live
with it, and pledging our full talent, resources, and
will to defeating it.

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 March 2016 as

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage
all citizens, government agencies, private businesses,
non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in
activities that will increase awareness and prevention
of colorectal cancer.

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