National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2006

Proclamation 8045 of August 29, 2006

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The United States continues to move forward in its
fight against cancer, yet an estimated 27,000 American
sons, fathers, brothers, and husbands will be lost to
prostate cancer this year. As we observe National
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we underscore our
commitment to defeating prostate cancer by raising
awareness about its risk factors, promoting the
importance of early detection and treatment, and
advancing our understanding of the disease and how to
stop it.

Medical research has shown that there are steps men can
take to reduce their chance of developing prostate
cancer. For many men, regular exercise and healthy
eating habits may decrease the likelihood of developing
this deadly disease. Men over the age of 50, African-
American men, and men with family medical histories
that include prostate cancer face the greatest risk--
and they can realize the greatest benefits from early
detection, when treatment is most effective. All men
should discuss their risk of prostate cancer with their
physicians, determine the best screening and early-
detection options, and adopt healthy lifestyles. Young
men are also encouraged to find out whether a family
member has ever been diagnosed with prostate cancer and
to seek medical advice at an earlier age if a medical
history exists.

The progress we have made in the battle against
prostate cancer is remarkable, yet more work remains.
America leads the world in cutting-edge medical
research, and the Federal Government will continue to
do its part to support work that will lead to better
diagnostic tools and innovative treatments for prostate
cancer. By providing substantial funding for programs
at the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer
Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
and Department of Defense, my Administration aims to
improve our ability to prevent, detect, treat, and
ultimately cure prostate cancer.

During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,
America honors the victims and survivors of prostate
cancer and applauds the family members and friends who
provide love and encouragement. We also commend the
medical professionals and researchers who are working
to administer care, improve treatments, and find cures.
Prostate cancer can be defeated, and we will continue
this fight until the day when the battle to beat
prostate cancer has been won.

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 September 2006 as National
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government
officials, businesses, communities, health care
professionals, educators, and the people of the United
States to reaffirm our Nation's strong and ongoing
campaign against prostate cancer.

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