For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 3, 2003
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Breast cancer touches the lives of many Americans, either directly or through the diagnosis of a family member or friend. We have made
considerable progress in diagnosing this disease and improving
treatments, but we have not ended it. While overall death rates are
declining, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer
deaths among women. During this 19th annual National Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, we recognize the efforts being made to fight breast
cancer through prevention, early detection, and aggressive research
into new treatments and therapies.
Monthly self exams and mammograms are still the best ways to detect
breast cancer at an early, treatable stage. The National Cancer
Institute (NCI) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force
agree that for women who are 40 or over, a mammogram every 1 to 2 years
can greatly reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. I encourage
all women to consult with their physicians to obtain appropriate
screenings to help with early detection.
This year in the United States, an estimated 212,000 individuals
will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,000 will die
of the disease. My Administration is committed to building on the
research that has already advanced our knowledge of the causes of and
possible cures for breast cancer. The NCI invested an estimated $564.6
million this year in breast cancer research and will spend
approximately $584 million next year. Continued research provides the
opportunity to better understand the causes of breast cancer and how we
can better prevent, detect, and treat it. The United States Postal
Service is also helping with the fight. Proceeds from the Postal
Service's Breast Cancer Awareness stamp go to breast cancer research.
Since the launch of this special stamp, more than $33 million has been
raised to help search for a cure.
I urge all Americans to raise awareness of breast cancer by talking
with family members and friends about the importance of screening and
early detection. By educating ourselves and working together, we will
improve our ability to prevent, detect, treat, and ultimately cure
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 the month of October
2003 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon Government
officials, businesses, communities, healthcare 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 third day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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