For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 29, 2005
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in
the United States. Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed with
ovarian cancer, and thousands die from the disease. During National
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we strive to raise awareness of ovarian
cancer and promote early detection and treatment of this disease.
Early detection is essential to the successful treatment of ovarian cancer.
The 5-year survival rate is higher than 90 percent for ovarian cancer
patients whose disease is caught during the first stage of development.
Most ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, however,
because no reliable screening test exists for the disease. Because the
early signs of ovarian cancer are easy to miss and often resemble the signs
of other conditions, it is important for women to talk with their doctors
about detection and be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of this
cancer.
There is more we need to learn about how best to prevent, detect, and treat
ovarian cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently
sponsoring a study on genetic and environmental factors that may increase
the risk of ovarian cancer. In addition, the NCI is sponsoring clinical
trials to explore new ways to screen for and detect ovarian cancer.
Researchers are studying new treatment options, including biological
therapies, anticancer drugs, vaccines, and other therapies to treat
resistant forms of ovarian cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention will spend almost $4.6 million, and the Department of Defense's
Ovarian Cancer
Research Program will invest an estimated $10 million.
As we observe National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize the
courage and strength of women battling ovarian cancer, and of their
families and friends who love and support them. Our Nation is grateful for
the hard work and commitment of our dedicated researchers and medical
professionals. With continued effort, we can raise awareness of ovarian
cancer and find new ways to prevent and treat this deadly disease.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 2005 as National
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government officials,
businesses,
communities, health care professionals, educators, volunteers, and all
people of the United States to continue our Nation's strong commitment to
preventing and treating ovarian cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty ninth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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