For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 8, 2001
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2001
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
Last year, approximately 130,000 new cases of
colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the United States. This
is a startling number. Late diagnosis is one reason why
colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon and rectum, is the second
leading cause of cancer-related deaths for Americans. The disease
strikes men and women with almost equal frequency and often progresses
without symptoms. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is usually
curable when discovered early, and early diagnosis is possible through
regular screenings. Regular screenings are particularly
important for persons age 50 or older. Regular screenings
are also important for individuals considered at higher risk for the
disease.
Widespread screening for colorectal cancer
could save up to 30,000 lives a year, if all cases were found at an
early stage. To raise awareness about the disease and to
encourage regular screening, the Cancer Research Foundation of America,
the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, and the American Digestive
Health Foundation have joined together to encourage Americans to
observe March 2001 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President
of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution of the United States, do hereby proclaim March
2001 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. By
supporting continued education about this disease and research into
treatment and prevention, Americans can help stop colorectal cancer and
save many lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand
this eighth
day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-fifth.
GEORGE
W. BUSH
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