For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 2, 2004
Cancer Control Month 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
We have made dramatic progress in our fight against cancer, yet
this disease continues to be the second-leading cause of death in the
United States. Cancer Control Month provides the opportunity for
Americans to learn vital information about cancer prevention,
detection, and treatment.
Medical science is helping cancer victims live healthier, longer
lives. Survival rates are rising, and today our country has more than
9 million cancer survivors. However, much work remains to be done.
Researchers estimate that more than 1.3 million people in the United
States will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and more than 800,000
will die from the disease.
A good diet, regular exercise, and healthy choices help people
reduce their risk of developing many chronic diseases, including
cancer. Research suggests that being overweight or obese accounts for
14 percent of cancer deaths among men and 20 percent among women.
Regular check-ups are also important in the fight against cancer.
Preventive health screenings can detect many forms of cancer at
earlier, less dangerous stages, allowing doctors to stop cancer before
it spreads. I encourage all Americans to talk to their doctors about
preventive screenings and regular check-ups.
As we observe Cancer Control Month, I commend cancer survivors for
their courage and determination. I applaud medical professionals,
researchers, family members, and friends for their efforts to improve
the lives of those suffering from cancer and for their work in finding
a cure for this devastating disease. I encourage all Americans to
learn more about cancer. By working together, we can save lives and
win the fight against cancer.
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, do hereby proclaim April 2004 as Cancer Control Month. I
encourage citizens, govern-ment agencies, private businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that
will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control
cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second
day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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