Presidential Documents

18509 

Federal Register 

Vol. 80, No. 65 

Monday, April 6, 2015 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 9247 of April 1, 2015 

National Cancer Control Month, 2015 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

For generations, the United States has been committed to combating cancer. 

It is a battle fought by our finest medical researchers, devoted health care 

professionals, and the many loved ones who have known the pain of this 

disease. Over decades, our Nation has made extraordinary progress. The 

overall rates of cancer deaths are decreasing for both women and men, 

and most survivors live longer and enjoy a better quality of life than ever 

before. Still, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in 

America, and there is more work to do. This month, we stand with all 

those touched by cancer and redouble our efforts to prevent, detect, and 

treat this disease. 

All people can take steps to reduce their chances of developing cancer. 

Maintaining a healthy weight, protecting skin from exposure to ultraviolet 

radiation, and limiting alcohol consumption can help individuals live 

healthier lives. Because cigarettes are a major cause of cancer, quitting 

smoking and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke can also decrease 

risk. For advice on how to quit smoking, go to www.SmokeFree.gov or 

call 1–800–QUIT–NOW. I also encourage Americans to visit www.Cancer.gov 

for more information on cancer prevention. 

When cancer is found in an early stage, it can be easier to treat and 

the chances of survival often increase. My Administration has fought to 

make this possible for more Americans. Protections under the Affordable 

Care Act require most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive 

services without copays, including some cancer screenings for qualifying 

individuals. These protections also eliminate annual and lifetime dollar 

limits on coverage and prohibit insurers from denying coverage because 

of pre-existing conditions, including cancer. 

New technologies and strategic investments have made the difference between life and death for many of today’s cancer patients. But as Americans, 

we have never been satisfied to rest on the accomplishments of our past; 

we reach for the future and stretch the boundaries of what is possible. 

That is why earlier this year, I announced my plan to lead a new era 

of medicine—one that delivers the right treatment at the right moment 

and brings us closer to curing cancer in our time. By investing in new 

research methods that will enable clinicians to tailor treatments to individual 

patients, the Precision Medicine Initiative will revolutionize how our Nation 

combats disease. 

As we continue the urgent work of improving research, treatment, and 

care, let us remember those lost to cancer. During National Cancer Control 

Month, we recognize all who dedicate their lives to advancing the fight 

against this disease, and we recommit to achieving a future free from cancer 

in all its forms. 

The Congress of the United States, by joint resolution approved March 

28, 1938 (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103), as amended, has requested the 

President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as ‘‘Cancer Control 

Month.’’ 

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18510 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 65 / Monday, April 6, 2015 / Presidential Documents 

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

of America, do hereby proclaim April 2015 as National Cancer Control 

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 

cancer. 

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

April, 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. 2015–08030 

Filed 4–3–15; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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