[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7536]

Proc. 7536

Proclamation 7536 of 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.

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          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