For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 1, 2002
Cancer Control Month, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our Nation is making important progress in the fight against
cancer. Today, 8.9 million Americans have survived this disease, and
new studies indicate that both cancer incidence and death rates have
declined in recent years. Research and new technology have
helped improve our ability to prevent, detect, and treat
cancer. We understand better and are communicating more
effectively the preventative power of regular exercise, a balanced
diet, not smoking, and greater health awareness. Despite
this progress, cancer remains a major public health problem that
affects millions of lives.
Each day, more than 1,500 Americans die from cancer and 3,500 are
diagnosed with some form of the disease. But we are closing
in on major breakthroughs that will lead to new cancer therapies and
life-saving cures.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is leading the way as it
explores hundreds of methods to combat and prevent
cancer. Recognizing that early detection of cancer often
makes a difference between life and death, the NCI is utilizing
revolutionary genetic and biochemical processes to develop tests that
more effectively detect cancer at its earliest stage.
Scientists are discovering that the use of ultraviolet light
fluorescence to examine the lungs is more likely to identify
precancerous lesions than current techniques. Other NCI
researchers are investigating drugs that may stop cancerous growths by
preventing new blood vessels from reaching the tissues. And
a new class of drugs, known as bisphosphonates, shows great promise
against cancer that has spread to the bone. The NCI's
important work, in coordination with other public and private health
agencies, is helping to reduce the incidence of cancer and is assisting
cancer survivors to lead richer, fuller, and longer lives.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Initiative, sponsored by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a valuable resource
to support and coordinate cancer control efforts at the Federal, State,
and local levels. This project helps ensure that cancer
prevention, detection, and treatment programs across the country work
effectively with each other by reducing duplicated efforts and missed
opportunities. My Administration is strongly committed to
the fight against cancer and will continue to support Federal cancer
control programs.
As we observe Cancer Control Month, I applaud the scientists,
healthcare providers, and public health professionals who work
tirelessly to find cures for this disease and to aid and assist the
patients who suffer from it. I call on all our citizens to
learn more about cancer by contacting the NCI's Cancer Information
Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or visiting its Internet address at
http://www.cancer.gov. I also
encourage all Americans to protect their health by promoting cancer
awareness in their families and communities. Individuals
should pursue a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, sufficient
consumption of fruits and vegetables, avoidance of tobacco products,
and regular age-appropriate cancer screenings. By working together to
raise awareness about the risks of cancer and the importance of medical
research, we can improve the quality of life for millions of Americans
and ultimately defeat this terrible disease.
In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a joint
resolution (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103) as amended, requesting the
President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as "Cancer
Control 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
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2002 as Cancer
Control Month. I call on concerned citizens, government
agencies, private industry, nonprofit organizations, and other
interested groups to reaffirm our Nation's commitment to preventing and
curing cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this first day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|