For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 30, 2002
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Americans renew
their commitment to learning more about the causes of this deadly
disease, so that we can detect it early and treat it effectively.
Ovarian cancer continues to cause more deaths than any other cancer
of the female reproductive system. It is estimated that this year
alone, more than 23,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed
with ovarian cancer, and that almost 14,000 women will die from this
disease. In cases where ovarian cancer is found and treated in its
earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 95 percent. However, most
women who suffer from this cancer are not diagnosed until it has become
more advanced, because their symptoms may be easily confused with other
diseases. Since early detection and treatment can often mean the
difference between life and death, developing an effective screening
test is a great priority.
Scientists have identified specific substances in the blood that
may help indicate whether a woman has ovarian cancer before she shows
any symptoms. Additionally, researchers at the National Cancer
Institute and the Food and Drug Administration have been working to
develop a new type of blood test that may be able to diagnose this
disease, and eventually help save the lives of millions of women. By
analyzing protein patterns in a single drop of blood, this test was
able to recognize ovarian cancer in both its early and late stages. I
join thousands of American women and their families in hoping that this
promising research will help us in overcoming this terrible disease.
By increasing awareness of ovarian cancer and its causes, we can
better prepare women who face the threat of this illness. Researchers
have learned that age, alterations in genes, and certain hormonal and
reproductive factors are linked to ovarian cancer risk. Women and
their doctors should weigh all the risks and benefits of different
therapies and make informed choices about health care.
I commend the strength and courage of the women who persevere in
the face of this serious illness, and I encourage our scientists and
researchers to redouble their efforts to find more effective
prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies to combat ovarian
cancer. Additionally, I urge those who suffer from this cancer, and
those who may be at risk, to talk with their health-care providers
about participating in clinical trials for new medical therapies
designed to combat ovarian cancer. By taking part in these clinical
trials, you can make important contributions to the knowledge of this
disease and benefit from cutting edge medical research. As we increase
awareness of ovarian cancer and advance in our research, we can help
bring hope to our citizens and draw closer to winning the war on
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 September 2002 as
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to observe this month with appropriate programs and
activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day
of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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