[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 49411-49412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24945]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 179 / Wednesday, September 16, 1998 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 49411]]
Proclamation 7120 of September 12, 1998
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week, 1998
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
We have many weapons at hand in our war against cancer,
and among the most effective is early diagnosis. With
ovarian cancer in particular--sometimes called the
``silent killer'' because it shows no obvious signs or
symptoms until late in its development--early diagnosis
can mean the difference between life and death. Of the
estimated 26,000 American women who were diagnosed with
ovarian cancer last year, an estimated 14,000 died.
Currently, almost 70 percent of women with ovarian
cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is in its
advanced stages; in many cases, the cancer has already
spread by the time it is discovered.
We know relatively little about why some women develop
this deadly disease. While every woman is at risk, we
do know that ovarian cancer occurs somewhat more
frequently in women who have never been pregnant. Women
who have had breast cancer or who have a family history
of breast or ovarian cancer are also at increased risk.
There are other genetic factors as well that can affect
the incidence of ovarian cancer.
We do have hope in our fight against this cancer.
Scientists at medical centers and hospitals across our
Nation are developing significant new information that
holds promise for the future, particularly for research
in genetic susceptibility and prevention, diagnostic
imaging, screening and diagnosis, and treatment. For
example, because of their knowledge about the ovarian
cancer risk genes, researchers are now able to work on
developing prevention and screening with women in
families at high risk. Researchers are also making
progress in the area of treatment through improvements
in existing chemotherapy regimens.
While we take heart from these promising developments,
we also recognize the need for an increased awareness
and understanding of ovarian cancer. As we observe
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week and affirm our national
commitment to fighting this devastating disease, I
encourage all American women and their families to
learn more about ovarian cancer, and I urge health care
professionals to emphasize to their patients the
importance of regular examinations. By doing so, we can
build on the progress we have made in our crusade
against cancer and ensure healthier, longer lives for
women.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 September 13 through
September 19, 1998, as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week. I
encourage the American people to observe this week with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
[[Page 49412]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twelfth day of September, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-third.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 98-24945
Filed 9-15-98; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
