National Cancer Control Month, 2009

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 8354--National Cancer Control Month, 2009

Proclamation 8355--National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2009

Proclamation 8356--National Donate Life Month, 2009

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8354 of April 1, 2009

National Cancer Control Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

We have achieved remarkable progress in the fight
against cancer. Miracles in medical research have
helped us understand how to prevent, detect, and treat
cancer more effectively, and Americans are now more
aware of how to protect themselves from this disease.

Despite this progress, cancer continues to kill more
Americans than any other malady but heart disease.
Marking National Cancer Control Month, we recommit to
the battle against cancer and emphasize the promise of
medical research and the healthy steps Americans can
take to protect themselves.

To gain new ground in cancer prevention, detection, and
treatment, my Administration will continue to press for
increased support for research at the National
Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and
academic and other institutions. The Federal Government
plays an indispensable role in investing in this
research, which will save and improve lives for
generations to come.

As researchers work daily to better understand this
disease, Americans can take steps to decrease their
risk of developing cancer. Individuals of all ages
should seek regular and appropriate check-ups. These
check-ups should include screening, such as mammograms,
the Pap test, and tests for colorectal cancer, all of
which can help detect cancer during its early stages.

Healthy personal habits can also reduce the risk of
cancer. Smoking accounts for thousands of cancer deaths
every year, and quitting--even after many years--can
greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Physical inactivity
and obesity may cause a substantial proportion of
colon, breast, endometrial, kidney, and esophageal
cancers in the United States, so maintaining physical
activity and a healthy diet can help prevent cancer,
among other diseases. Finally, moderating alcohol
intake and sun exposure can help protect Americans.

Too many American families have been touched by cancer.
As we observe National Cancer Control Month, I call
upon all courageous cancer patients and survivors,
health care providers, researchers, advocates, and
others involved in this struggle to work together in
support of our Nation's goal to control, and ultimately
defeat, this devastating disease.

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 April 2009 as National
Cancer Control Month. I encourage citizens, medical
institutions, government and social service agencies,
businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other
interested groups to join in activities that help
control cancer.

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