For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 1, 2001
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
By observing National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize
the often devastating effects prostate cancer has on the lives of the
more than 1 million American men currently suffering from it; and we
commit ourselves to finding a cure for this
disease. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form
of cancer in America, excepting skin cancer. And it is the
second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United
States. This year, almost 200,000 men will be diagnosed with
prostate cancer, and over 31,000 will die from this disease.
Although the survival rate for those diagnosed with prostate cancer
continues to rise, this disease nevertheless remains a serious threat
to the health and well-being of all American men. Research shows that
one out of every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer
sometime during their lifetime.
By increasing awareness about the causes and signs of prostate
cancer and by expanding research into preventative, remedial, and
curative therapies, we can save more lives, improve the lives of those
suffering from this cancer, and reduce its incidence in
America. All men of middle age, and particularly those above
the age of 50, should learn the risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic
tools that can help with the early recognition of prostate cancer, when
treatment is most successful. It is important to consult a
physician about available screening for prostate cancer, including
digital examinations and prostate specific antigen blood
tests. These techniques aid doctors in the early diagnosis
of prostate cancer, and they are essential to continuing the reduction
of prostate cancer death rates.
As with most other forms of cancer, modern medical research has
produced promising new treatment options for prostate cancer that have
greatly increased the likelihood of survival after diagnosis.
However, much still remains to be learned about the causes and cures of
prostate cancer, and I applaud the work of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention in this area. My Administration also
supports increasing Federal funding for programs that promote
awareness, improve prevention, and expand research by the National
Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense Congressionally
Directed Medical Research Program, and the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
These research programs obtain important epidemiological data,
develop prostate cancer awareness among the public and throughout the
health care community, and serve as proving grounds for new prostate
cancer treatments. Charitable organizations and the private sector
also play important roles in advancing public awareness about the need
for prostate cancer screening and research, and in serving as a
therapeutic resource for those suffering from prostate cancer.
On this occasion, I commend the scientists, physicians, and other
health professionals who are committed to achieving success in our
struggle against prostate cancer. I call on all those
potentially vulnerable to this disease to support this effort by taking
preventative measures such as observing a healthy lifestyle, talking to
your doctor about regular screenings, and building awareness of
prostate cancer. By working together, we will find new
therapies to aid those living with prostate cancer, increase awareness
about its causes and symptoms, and, I hope, eventually find a cure for
this deadly disease.
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 November 2001 as
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon
government officials, businesses, communities, health care
professionals, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United
States to publicly reaffirm our Nation's strong and continuing
commitment to control and cure prostate cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this first day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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