National Cancer Control Month, 2015

Vol. 80

Monday,

No. 65

April 6, 2015

Part II

The President

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Proclamation 9247--National Cancer Control Month, 2015

Proclamation 9248--National Donate Life Month, 2015

Proclamation 9249--National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention
Month, 2015

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9247 of April 1, 2015

National Cancer Control Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For generations, the United States has been committed
to combating cancer. It is a battle fought by our
finest medical researchers, devoted health care
professionals, and the many loved ones who have known
the pain of this disease. Over decades, our Nation has
made extraordinary progress. The overall rates of
cancer deaths are decreasing for both women and men,
and most survivors live longer and enjoy a better
quality of life than ever before. Still, cancer remains
the second most common cause of death in America, and
there is more work to do. This month, we stand with all
those touched by cancer and redouble our efforts to
prevent, detect, and treat this disease.

All people can take steps to reduce their chances of
developing cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight,
protecting skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation,
and limiting alcohol consumption can help individuals
live healthier lives. Because cigarettes are a major
cause of cancer, quitting smoking and reducing exposure
to secondhand smoke can also decrease risk. For advice
on how to quit smoking, go to www.SmokeFree.gov or call
1-800-QUIT-NOW. I also encourage Americans to visit
www.Cancer.gov for more information on cancer
prevention.

When cancer is found in an early stage, it can be
easier to treat and the chances of survival often
increase. My Administration has fought to make this
possible for more Americans. Protections under the
Affordable Care Act require most insurance plans to
cover recommended preventive services without copays,
including some cancer screenings for qualifying
individuals. These protections also eliminate annual
and lifetime dollar limits on coverage and prohibit
insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing
conditions, including cancer.

New technologies and strategic investments have made
the difference between life and death for many of
today's cancer patients. But as Americans, we have
never been satisfied to rest on the accomplishments of
our past; we reach for the future and stretch the
boundaries of what is possible. That is why earlier
this year, I announced my plan to lead a new era of
medicine--one that delivers the right treatment at the
right moment and brings us closer to curing cancer in
our time. By investing in new research methods that
will enable clinicians to tailor treatments to
individual patients, the Precision Medicine Initiative
will revolutionize how our Nation combats disease.

As we continue the urgent work of improving research,
treatment, and care, let us remember those lost to
cancer. During National Cancer Control Month, we
recognize all who dedicate their lives to advancing the
fight against this disease, and we recommit to
achieving a future free from cancer in all its forms.

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 2015
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
first day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.