94-25673. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1994  

  • [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
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
10/14/1994
Department:
Executive Office of the President
Entry Type:
Presidential Document
Document Type:
Proclamation
Document Number:
94-25673
Pages:
52231-52232 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: October 14, 1994
EOCitation:
of 1994-10-12