Cancer Control Month, 2002

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Part VII

The President

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Proclamation 7536--Cancer Control Month, 2002

Proclamation 7537--National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7536 of April 1, 2002

Cancer Control Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation is making important progress in the fight
against cancer. Today, 8.9 million Americans have
survived this disease, and new studies indicate that
both cancer incidence and death rates have declined in
recent years. Research and new technology have helped
improve our ability to prevent, detect, and treat
cancer. We understand better and are communicating more
effectively the preventative power of regular exercise,
a balanced diet, not smoking, and greater health
awareness. Despite this progress, cancer remains a
major public health problem that affects millions of
lives.

Each day, more than 1,500 Americans die from cancer and
3,500 are diagnosed with some form of the disease. But
we are closing in on major breakthroughs that will lead
to new cancer therapies and life-saving cures.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is leading the way
as it explores hundreds of methods to combat and
prevent cancer. Recognizing that early detection of
cancer often makes a difference between life and death,
the NCI is utilizing revolutionary genetic and
biochemical processes to develop tests that more
effectively detect cancer at its earliest stage.

Scientists are discovering that the use of ultraviolet
light fluorescence to examine the lungs is more likely
to identify precancerous lesions than current
techniques. Other NCI researchers are investigating
drugs that may stop cancerous growths by preventing new
blood vessels from reaching the tissues. And a new
class of drugs, known as bisphosphonates, shows great
promise against cancer that has spread to the bone. The
NCI's important work, in coordination with other public
and private health agencies, is helping to reduce the
incidence of cancer and is assisting cancer survivors
to lead richer, fuller, and longer lives.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Initiative,
sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, is a valuable resource to support and
coordinate cancer control efforts at the Federal,
State, and local levels. This project helps ensure that
cancer prevention, detection, and treatment programs
across the country work effectively with each other by
reducing duplicated efforts and missed opportunities.
My Administration is strongly committed to the fight
against cancer and will continue to support Federal
cancer control programs.

As we observe Cancer Control Month, I applaud the
scientists, healthcare providers, and public health
professionals who work tirelessly to find cures for
this disease and to aid and assist the patients who
suffer from it. I call on all our citizens to learn
more about cancer by contacting the NCI's Cancer
Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or visiting its
Internet address at http://www.cancer.gov. I also
encourage all Americans to protect their health by
promoting cancer awareness in their families and
communities. Individuals should pursue a lifestyle that
includes regular exercise, sufficient consumption of
fruits and vegetables, avoidance of tobacco products,
and regular age-appropriate cancer screenings. By
working together to raise awareness about the risks of
cancer and the importance of medical

research, we can improve the quality of life for
millions of Americans and ultimately defeat this
terrible disease.

In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a
joint resolution (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103) as
amended, requesting the President to issue an annual
proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer Control
Month.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 April 2002 as Cancer Control
Month. I call on concerned citizens, government
agencies, private industry, nonprofit organizations,
and other interested groups to reaffirm our Nation's
commitment to preventing and curing cancer.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B