Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 170 / Thursday, September 3, 2009 / Presidential Documents 45729 

Proclamation 8408 of August 31, 2009 

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2009 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

As a Nation, we have made significant progress in the fight against prostate 

cancer. Over the last decade, prostate cancer mortality rates have fallen 

substantially. Yet, despite this progress, among men in the United States 

prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second 

leading cause of cancer deaths. One in six men in this country will be 

diagnosed with prostate cancer. National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 

is an opportunity to renew our commitment to find better ways to prevent, 

detect, and control this disease. 

Prostate cancer affects both those stricken with the disease and their families, 

often occurring when they least expect it. The cancer does not discriminate 

among husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons, and it does not differentiate 

on race, age, or income. Americans of every background know its dangers. 

Families share in the struggles of prostate cancer, bearing the emotional 

and financial concerns along with the afflicted. 

My Administration supports prevention efforts and research to develop better 

screening tests, uncover more effective treatments, and ensure quality care 

for all who are diagnosed with this illness. We must ensure that more 

men are educated about all aspects of the disease including prevention, 

early detection and possible treatment options. To expand our knowledge 

of this cancer, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, 

and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are playing leading 

roles in research. Their work is helping to reduce the burden of prostate 

cancer and save lives for generations to come. 

This month, we remember the lives we have lost, and we recommit ourselves 

to supporting those currently battling against the disease. National Prostate 

Cancer Awareness Month also highlights the great medical advancements 

we have made and reminds us there is still much work to be done. As 

a Nation, we are united in our resolve to reduce incidence of prostate 

cancer and improve the lives of all those affected. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009 as 

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage citizens, Government 

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 prostate cancer. 


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45730 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 170 / Thursday, September 3, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day 

of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. 

[FR Doc. E9–21502 

Filed 9–2–09; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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