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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 29, 2005
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among
American men. This year, thousands of men will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer, and thousands will die from the disease. While great strides have been
made in the battle against prostate cancer, we have more work to do. During
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we renew our commitment to fight
prostate cancer by finding better ways to prevent, detect, and treat this
deadly disease.
My Administration is committed to funding research for prevention and
better treatments for prostate cancer. This year, the National Institutes of
Health will invest an estimated $381 million in prostate cancer research,
including $310 million at the National Cancer Institute. The Department of
Defense's Prostate Cancer Research Program will spend an estimated $85 million,
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will devote an estimated $14
million toward prostate cancer research. Scientists are examining risk factors to
identify ways to prevent prostate cancer, and they are finding ways to detect
this disease earlier, when it is easier to treat. In addition, newer treatments
are helping to slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer in men with advanced
stages of the disease. This progress offers hope to men who are living with
prostate cancer and those who are at risk.
As we observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage all
men, especially those over the age of 50, to talk with their doctors about the
risk of prostate cancer and the appropriate screenings. I commend those who
fight this disease, and I applaud the dedication of researchers, health care
providers, and all who are working to increase our knowledge of prostate
cancer. By raising awareness and supporting research, we can save lives.
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 Prostate
Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, businesses,
communities, health care professionals, educators, volunteers, and all people
of the United States to reaffirm our Nation's strong and continuing commitment
to treat and prevent prostate 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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