Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 42 / Wednesday, March 4, 2015 / Presidential Documents 11849 

Proclamation 9237 of February 27, 2015 

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2015 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United 

States. This year, more than 130,000 Americans will be diagnosed with 

this cancer, and nearly 50,000 will die from it. Friends and loved ones 

will be taken from us too soon by this disease, and the pain of cancer 

will touch too many families. During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness 

Month, we recognize all those who have been affected by this disease, 

and we renew our commitment to a lifesaving endeavor: raising awareness 

of colorectal cancer and the importance of screening. 

Colorectal cancer is often preventable, and early detection and treatment 

are critical. However, this disease does not always cause symptoms, and 

most colorectal cancer occurs in individuals with no family history. That 

is why it is crucial for people of all ages to discuss colorectal cancer 

with their health care providers and understand the recommendations for, 

and benefits of, screening. And, people between ages 50 and 75 should 

get regular screenings. Not only can testing save your life, it can also provide 

peace of mind to your family and loved ones. I encourage Americans to 

learn more about the risk factors and symptoms of colorectal cancer by 

visiting www.Cancer.gov. 

Every American deserves health security, and that is why I fought so hard 

for the Affordable Care Act. Under the law, more families have access 

to quality, affordable health care, and most insurance plans are required 

to cover recommended preventive services without copays, including 

colorectal cancer screenings for adults over 50. Earlier this year, I also 

announced the Precision Medicine Initiative to accelerate the design and 

testing of treatments tailored to individual patients. This bold new effort 

aims to revolutionize how our Nation fights disease, and it brings us closer 

to curing cancer. 

Even as we continue the urgent work of improving care, we cannot fill 

the void left in the lives of those who know the true anguish of colorectal 

cancer. This month, we honor the loved ones we have lost to this disease 

and those who battle it today. Let us stand with their families and all 

who are committed to advancing the fight against cancer through research, 

advocacy, and quality care. Together, we can build a future free from cancer 

in all its forms. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2015 as 

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens, government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other 

groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention 

of colorectal cancer. 


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11850 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 42 / Wednesday, March 4, 2015 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 

day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of 

the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 

thirty-ninth. 

[FR Doc. 2015–04515 

Filed 3–3–15; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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