Cancer Control Month, 2019

Proclamation 9853 of March 29, 2019 Cancer Control Month, 2019 A Proclamation During Cancer Control Month, we recognize the fearless spirit of millions of Americans who are battling cancer and celebrate the nearly 17 million cancer survivors who are alive today. We also solemnly remember and honor the memory of those beloved family members, friends, and neighbors who have been taken from us by this terrible disease. As I have said many times, our Nation will never give up our search for effective and innovative medical procedures to treat and prevent all forms of cancer. Last year, more than 1.7 million Americans were diagnosed with some form of cancer and over 600,000 lost their lives to this disease—the second leading cause of death in the United States. There are, however, many hopeful signs of progress. The combined rate of death from all cancers continues to decline among both men and women, and death rates for many of the most common types of cancer—including lung, colon, and breast—are trending downward. These encouraging statistics reflect the outstanding work of our Nation's dedicated healthcare professionals to diagnose cancers at earlier stages and to improve prevention and treatment. Americans can take important steps to decrease their risk of developing cancer. Maintaining a normal weight, practicing healthy eating habits, and engaging in regular physical activity are critical to preventing kidney, endometrial, esophageal, colon, and other forms of cancer. Avoiding the use of tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol can also help the body prevent and fight cancers. Americans should also discuss their family health histories with their doctors and get recommended cancer screenings, which can lead to early diagnosis and help increase the odds of beating the disease. My Administration is committed to supporting cutting-edge research and groundbreaking medical advances and treatments that better help cancer patients. Researchers at the…