Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 2010 / Presidential Documents 62297 

Proclamation 8572 of October 1, 2010 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

While considerable progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer, 

it remains the most frequently diagnosed type of non-skin cancer and the 

second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in our country. This 

year alone, over 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed and nearly 40,000 

lives will be claimed. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 

we reaffirm our commitment to supporting breast cancer research, and to 

educating all Americans about its risk factors, detection, and treatment. 

As we display pink ribbons on our lapels, offices, and storefronts, we also 

support those courageously fighting breast cancer and honor the lives lost 

to this devastating disease. 

Thanks to earlier detection and better treatments, mortality rates for breast 

cancer have steadily decreased in the last decade. To advance the lifesaving research that has breathed promise into countless lives, the National 

Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 

the Department of Defense are investing hundreds of millions of dollars 

annually in breast cancer research and related programs. Through funding 

from the Recovery Act, the National Cancer Institute is also conducting 

and supporting research and training projects, as well as distributing health 

information, to help Americans with breast cancer and health care providers 

face this disease. 

Knowing what may contribute to breast cancer is an important part of 

its prevention. Risk factors for breast cancer include family and personal 

history, radiation therapy to the chest for previous cancers, obesity, and 

certain genetic changes. Being cognizant of these possible risk factors, as 

well as maintaining a healthy body weight and balanced diet, exercising 

regularly, and getting regular screenings, may help lower the chances of 

developing breast cancer. I encourage all women and men to talk with 

their health care provider about their risks and what they can do to mitigate 

them, and to visit Cancer.gov to learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and 

treatment of breast and other cancers. 

Screenings and early detection are also essential components in the fight 

against breast cancer. For women ages 40 and over, regular mammograms 

and clinical breast exams by health care providers every one to two years 

are the most effective ways to find breast cancer early, when it may be 

easier to treat. Women at higher risk of breast cancer should discuss with 

their health care providers whether they need mammograms before age 

40, as well as how often to have them. Regular mammograms, followed 

by timely treatment when breast cancer is diagnosed, can help improve 

the chances of surviving this disease. 

In order to detect breast cancer early, we must ensure all women can 

access these important screenings. The Affordable Care Act, which I was 

proud to sign into law earlier this year, requires all new health insurance 

policies to cover recommended preventive services without any additional 

cost, including annual mammography screenings for women over age 40. 


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62298 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

The Affordable Care Act will also ensure that people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer cannot be excluded from coverage for a pre-existing 

condition or charged higher premiums. 

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we stand with our mothers, 

daughters, sisters, and friends, and we recognize all who have joined their 

loved ones in fighting their battle, as well as the advocates, researchers, 

and health care providers whose care and hard work gives hope to those 

living with breast cancer. By educating ourselves and supporting innovative 

research, we will improve the quality of life for all Americans affected 

by breast cancer and, one day, defeat this terrible 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 the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage citizens, Government 

agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and all other interested 

groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans 

can do to prevent and control breast cancer. 

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

October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence 

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

[FR Doc. 2010–25572 

Filed 10–7–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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