National Cancer Control Month, 2013

Proclamation 8948 of March 29, 2013

National Cancer Control Month, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For more than a decade, Americans have watched the
overall cancer death rate drop lower and lower with
each passing year. As a Nation, we have measured that
progress not just in the lives we have saved, but also
in the moments we have shared--patients lifted up by
the promise of remission, parents blessed with the
chance to watch their children grow up, young people
confident that a diagnosis cannot put a limit on their
dreams. But even with the gains we have made, we know
there is more work to do when more than half a million
Americans lose their lives to cancer every year. This
month, we rededicate ourselves to securing better
outcomes, reducing new cases, and advancing cancer
research.

To beat this disease, we must continue our efforts to
prevent it. Each of us can reduce our risk of
developing cancer by maintaining a healthy weight,
exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake and sun
exposure, and living tobacco-free. For help quitting
smoking, visit www.BeTobaccoFree.gov. Additional
resources on what cancer is and how to prevent it are
available at www.Cancer.gov.

Detecting cancer early gives patients the best chance
for successful treatment. Thanks to the Affordable Care
Act, insurers are required to cover recommended cancer
screenings and other preventive services at no out-of-
pocket cost to the patient--a provision that has
already helped nearly 71 million people. To build on
those gains and stop cancer before it takes hold, I
encourage all Americans to see their health care
providers for regular screenings and check-ups.

Expanding on today's progress also means investing in
tomorrow's breakthroughs. My Administration is
committed to supporting the kind of medical research
that has unlocked decades of new therapies and
promising interventions. Beginning in 2014, the
Affordable Care Act will also give cancer patients
better access to those treatments by preventing
insurance companies from denying coverage because of a
pre-existing condition or putting annual dollar limits
on most benefits.

Together, our Nation is moving forward in the fight
against cancer. As we recommit to improving prevention,
detection, and treatment, let us honor the memory of
the courageous men and women we have lost to the
disease, and let us stand with all those facing it
today.

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 2013
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
twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.