[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 198 (Friday, October 14, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52231-52232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25673]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: October 14, 1994]
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Part IV
The President
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Proclamation 6739--National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Presidential Documents
Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 198
Friday, October 14, 1994
____________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
Proclamation 6739 of October 12, 1994
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1994
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Just weeks ago, scientists announced that they had
identified a gene whose mutation causes hereditary
breast cancer. Although the effects of this exciting
discovery may not be realized for some time, as we mark
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1994, families
and friends across the country have much to celebrate.
American women have greater access to breast cancer
screening than ever before. In addition to the latest
advances in medical research, we have made significant
strides in early detection and treatment, immeasurably
improving women's chances for survival. Our knowledge
of what causes this disease is expanding, and,
bolstered by a firm national commitment to basic
research, scientists continue to develop new and more
effective methods of treatment. With each small step
forward, we are saving women's lives.
Still, an estimated 182,000 American women will be
diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Almost 43,000
will die. It remains the second leading cause of cancer
death among American women. The health care community
has worked tirelessly to educate Americans about the
importance of early detection, but many women postpone
recommended check-ups and do not yet practice regular
self-examination. We must work to make sure that all
women are informed about the dangers of breast cancer,
are aware of the life-saving potential of early
detection, and have access to the high-quality care for
which our Nation is known around the world. Every one
of us can and must take an active role in the fight
against breast cancer.
As we strive to ensure that our health care system
meets the needs of all of our citizens, we must be
certain that women receive proper screening for breast
cancer. In concert with self-examination and clinical
check-ups, mammography can be invaluable. Many cancers
can be detected on a mammogram as early as 2 years
before they would be noticed by a woman or her
physician. Third-party reimbursement for mammography is
increasing, Medicare now covers much of the cost of
screening for women ages 65 or older, and many States
now have laws requiring private insurers to offer
coverage for this procedure. And a major effort is
under way to inform employers about how businesses can
provide screening mammography. I urge every State
government, insurance company, medical facility, and
business to follow these examples and to develop
policies that incorporate this essential test.
Americans have always relied on partnerships to
confront the many trials of daily life: partnerships
between mothers and fathers to care for their children,
partnerships between teachers and students to prepare
for the challenges of the future. So, too, we must
depend on one another if we are to succeed in the
battle against breast cancer. Mothers and daughters,
patients and physicians, public and private sector
alike--every one of us must bear responsibility for our
health and the health of our loved ones. By sharing the
lessons of proper nutrition in preventing cancer, by
emphasizing the importance of regular breast
examination, and by maintaining an unswerving national
commitment to basic research, all of us can be life
savers.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 185, has
designated the month of October 1994, as ``National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month
of October 1994, as National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month. I invite the Governors of the 50 States and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Mayor of the District
of Columbia, and the appropriate officials of all other
areas under the American flag to issue similar
proclamations. I also ask health care professionals,
members of private industry, community groups,
insurance companies, and all other interested
organizations and individuals to unite in reaffirming
our Nation's continuing commitment to controlling
breast cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and nineteenth.
(Presidential Sig.)>
[FR Doc. 94-25673
Filed 10-12-94; 4:48 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P
