National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2012

Proclamation 8874 of October 1, 2012

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Breast cancer touches the lives of Americans from every
background and in every community across our Nation.
Though we have made great strides in combatting this
devastating illness, more than 200,000 women will be
diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and tens of
thousands are expected to lose their lives to the
disease. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
we honor those we have lost, lend our strength to those
who carry on the fight, and pledge to educate ourselves
and our loved ones about this tragic disease.

Though the exact causes of breast cancer are unknown,
understanding its risk factors is essential to
prevention. Older women and those who have a personal
or family history of breast cancer are among those at
greater risk of developing the illness. Early detection
is also key in the fight against breast cancer. Getting
recommended screening mammograms can help to detect
breast cancer early. I encourage women and men to speak
with their health care provider about breast cancer,
and to visit www.Cancer.gov to learn more about
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

My Administration remains committed to ensuring access
to quality health care that includes preventive
services for women. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act,
many health plans are required to cover mammograms and
other recommended cancer screenings without co-pays or
deductibles. Starting in 2014, it will also ensure that
no American can be denied health insurance because of a
pre-existing condition--including breast cancer.

This month, we stand with the mothers, daughters,
sisters, aunts, and friends who have been affected by
breast cancer, and we recognize the ongoing efforts of
dedicated advocates, researchers, and health care
providers who strive each day to defeat this terrible
disease. In memory of the loved ones we have lost and
inspired by the resilience of those living with the
disease, let us strengthen our resolve to lead our
Nation toward a future free from cancer in all its
forms.

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 October 2012 as
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage
citizens, government agencies, private businesses,
nonprofit organizations, and all other interested
groups to join in activities that will increase
awareness of what Americans can do to prevent breast
cancer.

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