National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2009

Proclamation 8408 of August 31, 2009

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As a Nation, we have made significant progress in the
fight against prostate cancer. Over the last decade,
prostate cancer mortality rates have fallen
substantially. Yet, despite this progress, among men in
the United States prostate cancer remains the most
commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause
of cancer deaths. One in six men in this country will
be diagnosed with prostate cancer. National Prostate
Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to renew our
commitment to find better ways to prevent, detect, and
control this disease.

Prostate cancer affects both those stricken with the
disease and their families, often occurring when they
least expect it. The cancer does not discriminate among
husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons, and it does not
differentiate on race, age, or income. Americans of
every background know its dangers. Families share in
the struggles of prostate cancer, bearing the emotional
and financial concerns along with the afflicted.

My Administration supports prevention efforts and
research to develop better screening tests, uncover
more effective treatments, and ensure quality care for
all who are diagnosed with this illness. We must ensure
that more men are educated about all aspects of the
disease including prevention, early detection and
possible treatment options. To expand our knowledge of
this cancer, the National Institutes of Health, the
Department of Defense, and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention are playing leading roles in
research. Their work is helping to reduce the burden of
prostate cancer and save lives for generations to come.

This month, we remember the lives we have lost, and we
recommit ourselves to supporting those currently
battling against the disease. National Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month also highlights the great medical
advancements we have made and reminds us there is still
much work to be done. As a Nation, we are united in our
resolve to reduce incidence of prostate cancer and
improve the lives of all those affected.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 September 2009 as National
Prostate Cancer Awareness 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 prostate
cancer.

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