Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2022 / Presidential Documents 11927 

Proclamation 10344 of February 28, 2022 

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2022 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Cancer is personal to nearly every family, including my own. Each year, 

more than 50,000 families across the country lose a loved one to colorectal 

cancer—the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of 

cancer deaths in America. The toll it exacts is immeasurable, but when 

we detect colorectal cancer early, we can save lives and deliver hope. 

During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we raise awareness 

of this dreaded disease and renew our commitment to ending cancer as 

we know it. 

While anyone can be afflicted by colorectal cancer, we know that this 

illness strikes at a disproportionate rate among Black Americans as well 

as Americans over the age of 50. Getting regular screenings and identifying 

symptoms and risk factors are both pivotal to saving lives. According to 

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms such as blood 

in the stool, a change in bowel habits, stomach pain, bloating, cramps 

that do not go away, or weight loss without a known cause should be 

discussed with a health care provider. However, early stages of colorectal 

cancer often emerge without symptoms, and it is important to begin regular 

screenings starting at the age of 45. 

In addition, people who smoke, consume alcohol, or are obese are more 

likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Adopting healthy behaviors— 

including quitting the use of tobacco products, reducing alcohol consumption, and eating meals that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains— 

can also reduce your risk. For more information on risk factors, please 

visit www.Cancer.gov. 

I believe that it is within our power to end cancer as we know it. That 

is why I have re-ignited the Cancer Moonshot and set new ambitious goals, 

to reduce the death rate from cancer by 50 percent over the next 25 years 

and to improve the lives of people and their families living with and 

surviving cancer. I have called on the Congress to create the Advanced 

Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA–H), which will invest billions 

of dollars to advance breakthroughs in the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer and other deadly diseases. As we continue to pursue gamechanging scientific breakthroughs, my Administration also remains steadfast 

in our commitment to increasing colorectal cancer screenings, follow-ups, 

and referrals, with a particular focus on underserved populations. On February 2, 2022, the First Lady and I launched a call to action on cancer 

screening and early detection. Our goal is to jumpstart progress on potentially 

life-saving screenings that far too many Americans have missed as a result 

of the pandemic and help ensure that everyone in the United States benefits 

equitably from the tools we have to detect and diagnose cancer. We are 

calling on every American to get back on track with their recommended 

screenings, including colorectal cancer screenings, and for the public and 

private sectors to increase access to early detection for individuals and 

communities. 

Ensuring that every American has access to quality, affordable health coverage 

is another critical way that we can win the fight against cancer. Thanks 


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11928 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2022 / Presidential Documents 

to the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans must cover certain 

preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs. This coverage now includes 

colorectal cancer screenings for adults over the age of 45, making it easier 

to get colorectal cancer screenings and helping improve access to earlier 

treatment. Health coverage under the Affordable Care Act has never been 

more accessible and affordable than it is today, and I encourage all Americans 

to learn more by visiting www.HealthCare.gov. 

During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I urge every American 

to exercise vigilance around their own health and the health of their loved 

ones. Early diagnosis and treatment save lives—and getting screened for 

colorectal cancer is vitally important as we continue our shared mission 

to end cancer as we know it. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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 2022 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. 

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

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

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

and forty-sixth. 

[FR Doc. 2022–04613 

Filed 3–2–22; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3395–F2–P 


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