For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 2, 2004
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we raise awareness
of this deadly disease, encourage early detection, and support research
to find a cure.
Prevention and early detection are key to winning the fight against
breast cancer. Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown,
factors that can affect the risk of developing cancer include age,
general health, and family history. This year, estimates are that over
200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Regular screening
for breast cancer continues to be the most effective way to detect this
disease early and to save lives, and mammograms are the best screening
tool we currently have. Women should talk to their health care
providers about their breast cancer risk.
To improve the quality of life and find a cure for those affected
by breast cancer, we are learning more about its causes. The National
Institutes of Health has invested an estimated $700 million this year
alone on breast cancer research and will spend more next year. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has devoted over $200
million this year and more next year for an early detection program
that promotes mammograms and helps low-income women afford screenings
for breast and cervical cancer. The Department of Defense also
invested approximately $150 million for its Breast Cancer Research
program in 2004. This funding will help lead to better treatments for
cancer patients and new hope for countless Americans and their
families.
We salute breast cancer survivors for their courage and
perseverance. Their courageous battle against cancer is an inspiration
to countless Americans, and their willingness to share their stories
and experiences helps spread awareness and offers hope and comfort to
cancer patients across the country. Together with health care
professionals, researchers, and family members, we can improve the
lives of those suffering from this disease and win the fight against
breast cancer.
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 October 2004 as
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon Government
officials, businesses, communities, health care professionals,
educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to
continue our Nation's strong commitment to controlling and curing
breast cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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