Presidential Documents

15629 

Federal Register 

Vol. 74, No. 64 

Monday, April 6, 2009 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8354 of April 1, 2009 

National Cancer Control Month, 2009 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

We have achieved remarkable progress in the fight against cancer. Miracles 

in medical research have helped us understand how to prevent, detect, 

and treat cancer more effectively, and Americans are now more aware of 

how to protect themselves from this disease. 

Despite this progress, cancer continues to kill more Americans than any 

other malady but heart disease. Marking National Cancer Control Month, 

we recommit to the battle against cancer and emphasize the promise of 

medical research and the healthy steps Americans can take to protect themselves. 

To gain new ground in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, my 

Administration will continue to press for increased support for research 

at the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers 

for Disease Control and Prevention, and academic and other institutions. 

The Federal Government plays an indispensable role in investing in this 

research, which will save and improve lives for generations to come. 

As researchers work daily to better understand this disease, Americans can 

take steps to decrease their risk of developing cancer. Individuals of all 

ages should seek regular and appropriate check-ups. These check-ups should 

include screening, such as mammograms, the Pap test, and tests for colorectal 

cancer, all of which can help detect cancer during its early stages. 

Healthy personal habits can also reduce the risk of cancer. Smoking accounts 

for thousands of cancer deaths every year, and quitting—even after many 

years—can greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Physical inactivity and obesity 

may cause a substantial proportion of colon, breast, endometrial, kidney, 

and esophageal cancers in the United States, so maintaining physical activity 

and a healthy diet can help prevent cancer, among other diseases. Finally, 

moderating alcohol intake and sun exposure can help protect Americans. 

Too many American families have been touched by cancer. As we observe 

National Cancer Control Month, I call upon all courageous cancer patients 

and survivors, health care providers, researchers, advocates, and others involved in this struggle to work together in support of our Nation’s goal 

to control, and ultimately defeat, this devastating disease. 

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 April 2009 as National 

Cancer Control Month. I encourage citizens, medical institutions, government 

and social service agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other 

interested groups to join in activities that help control cancer. 


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15630 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 64 / Monday, April 6, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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

April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. 

[FR Doc. E9–7923 

Filed 4–3–09; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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