National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2023

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 42 (Friday, March 3, 2023)]

[Presidential Documents]

[Pages 13295-13296]

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[FR Doc No: 2023-04546]

Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 42 / Friday, March 3, 2023 /

Presidential Documents

[[Page 13295]]

Proclamation 10526 of February 28, 2023

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2023

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we

call attention to the second leading cause of cancer

deaths in America--by sharing information about risk

factors, promoting life-saving early screenings, and

improving access to affordable treatment. In

remembrance of every life cut short by this devastating

disease, my Administration is determined to end cancer

as we know it.

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, every minute

counts. But patients can be overwhelmed by a flood of

medical information, and they too often struggle to

afford life-saving care. Our country needs to do more

to help patients and families navigate the cancer care

system. We need to learn from patients' experiences,

and we need to share data and knowledge to help prevent

other families from encountering the same obstacles to

prevention and care

le to

afford life-saving care. Our country needs to do more

to help patients and families navigate the cancer care

system. We need to learn from patients' experiences,

and we need to share data and knowledge to help prevent

other families from encountering the same obstacles to

prevention and care. When it comes to colorectal

cancer, we must also focus our efforts on those most

likely to develop this disease, including Americans

over the age of 45; Black Americans; people with a

family history of colorectal cancer; and people who

smoke, consume alcohol, or are obese.

Because early detection drastically improves survival

rates, the independent United States Preventive

Services Task Force recommends regular screenings for

all Americans who are older than 45 or have other risk

factors. People should consult a doctor if they

experience symptoms including blood in their stool, a

change in bowel habits, stomach pain, bloating,

persistent cramps, or unexplained weight loss. Vital

screenings like colonoscopies can detect cancer early

and remove precancerous growths, preventing the disease

before it starts.

doctor if they

experience symptoms including blood in their stool, a

change in bowel habits, stomach pain, bloating,

persistent cramps, or unexplained weight loss. Vital

screenings like colonoscopies can detect cancer early

and remove precancerous growths, preventing the disease

before it starts.

My Administration is working around the clock to

develop new treatments that can turn this and other

kinds of cancer from life-threatening diseases into

chronic ones that people can live with and that can

even cure certain forms of cancer. The First Lady and I

reignited the Cancer Moonshot initiative that I began

as Vice President, setting a new goal of cutting the

Nation's cancer death rate in half in the next 25 years

while better supporting patients and caregivers. To

develop bold breakthroughs in preventing, diagnosing,

and treating cancer and other deadly diseases, I

established the Advanced Research Projects Agency for

Health (ARPA-H), securing $2.5 billion in funding with

bipartisan support from the Congress. And last fall, I

signed an Executive Order to help ensure that

biotechnology invented in America is made in America,

growing our economy and strengthening our supply chains

for vital medications.

gency for

Health (ARPA-H), securing $2.5 billion in funding with

bipartisan support from the Congress. And last fall, I

signed an Executive Order to help ensure that

biotechnology invented in America is made in America,

growing our economy and strengthening our supply chains

for vital medications.

At the same time, we are continuing to make existing

cancer care more affordable. The American Rescue Plan

expanded the Affordable Care Act, which requires

insurers to pay for cancer screenings and primary care

visits and to cover cancer survivors and others who

have preexisting conditions. Last year, I signed the

Inflation Reduction Act, which will cap costs for

prescription drugs--including life-saving cancer

medicines--for seniors on Medicare at $2,000 per year.

My Administration has worked with the private sector to

bring cancer screenings to more communities; develop

and test new treatments; and share data, which can

accelerate research and save

[[Page 13296]]

lives. My Administration is also promoting cancer

prevention and healthy diets, which can reduce the risk

of colorectal cancer. As part of our national strategy

to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases, we are

working to provide healthy, free meals to millions more

school kids; boost Medicaid and Medicare coverage for

services like nutrition and obesity counseling; and

make fruits and vegetables more affordable for low-

income families.

onal strategy

to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases, we are

working to provide healthy, free meals to millions more

school kids; boost Medicaid and Medicare coverage for

services like nutrition and obesity counseling; and

make fruits and vegetables more affordable for low-

income families.

The task ahead is great, but I am optimistic. Many

thousands of families have shared their cancer stories

with me over the years; each time, I am reminded how

personal this pain is and how universal the dream of a

cure continues to be. This common cause can unite this

Nation and the world to join together and marshal the

resources, brightest minds, and most dedicated

advocates to finally end cancer once and for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of

the United States of America, by virtue of the

authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws

of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage

all citizens, government agencies, private businesses,

non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in

activities that will increase awareness and prevention

of colorectal cancer. I also encourage Americans to

visit HealthCare.gov and learn more about signing up

for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

citizens, government agencies, private businesses,

non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in

activities that will increase awareness and prevention

of colorectal cancer. I also encourage Americans to

visit HealthCare.gov and learn more about signing up

for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord

two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of

the United States of America the two hundred and forty-

seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2023-04546

Filed 3-2-23; 8:45 am]

Billing code 3395-F3-P