National Cancer Control Month, 2011

Vol. 76

Wednesday,

No. 66

April 6, 2011

Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 8644 --National Cancer Control Month, 2011

Proclamation 8645 --National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2011

Proclamation 8646 --National Financial Literacy Month, 2011

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8644 of March 31, 2011

National Cancer Control Month, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over the past several decades, our Nation has made
significant advances in the fight against cancer.
Improvements in early detection and treatment of this
disease have led to decreases in the rates of new cases
and deaths, and many people who are diagnosed with
cancer are living longer, with better quality of life.
Despite the breadth of our progress, an estimated 1.5
million people were diagnosed with cancer last year,
and more than half a million Americans lost their lives
to the disease. During National Cancer Control Month,
we renew our commitment to increasing awareness about
cancer and reducing the burden of this devastating
illness.

There are simple steps all of us can take to protect
ourselves and our loved ones from cancer. Americans can
help reduce their cancer risk with healthy practices
such as avoiding excessive sun exposure, limiting
alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a
healthy weight, and making physical activity part of
each day. Exposure to tobacco smoke, even from
occasional smoking or secondhand smoke, is particularly
harmful. Americans striving to quit can receive help by
calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visiting: www.Smokefree.gov.

Screening tests can also help reduce the risk of
developing certain cancers and help detect the disease
early when it is often easier to treat. Under the
Affordable Care Act, new health insurance plans must
offer certain screening tests, including Pap tests,
mammograms, and colonoscopies, at no extra cost. I
encourage every man and woman to talk with a health
professional about available testing and when to begin
screenings. All Americans can visit www.Cancer.gov for
more information about the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of cancer.

My Administration is committed to continuing the
advances made in cancer research, prevention,
detection, and treatment. The Healthy People 2020
initiative, which is spearheaded by the Department of
Health and Human Services, is tasked with outlining
national objectives and benchmarks to measure progress
toward improving the health of all Americans. The goals
will provide a roadmap for better health and help focus
our Nation's attention on trends in cancer rates,
mortality, and survival.

Americans of every background have been touched by
cancer, either through a personal diagnosis or that of
a family member or friend, and too many of us
understand the terrible toll of this disease. In memory
of loved ones lost to cancer, and in tribute to the
survivors and those still fighting this disease, I call
on all Americans to recognize what each of us can do to
live longer, healthier lives and to reach for a future
free from cancer.

The Congress of the United States, by joint resolution
approved March 28, 1938 (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103),
as amended, has requested the President to issue an
annual proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer Control
Month.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 2011
as National 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
thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.