Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 55 Part 2.djvu/745

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1621 PROCLAMATIONS-MAR . 18 , 1941 CANCER CONTROL MONTH-1941 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS Public Resolution No. 82, 75th Congress, approved March 28, 1938 (52 Stat. 148), authorizes and requests the President to issue annually a proclamation setting apart the month of April of each year as Cancer Control Month, and to invite similar action on the part of the Governors of the several States, Territories, and possessions of the United States; and WHEREAS such Public Resolution requests that such proclama- tions invite the medical profession, the press, and all agencies and individuals interested in a national program for the control of the disease of cancer, by education and other cooperative means, to unite during the month of April in a public dedication to such a program and in a concerted effort to impress upon the people of the nation the necessity for such a program; and WHEREAS through the National Cancer Institute of the United States Public Health Service, the Federal Government is leading the way in advancing research, in promoting effective treatment methods, and in advocating the provision of adequate facilities for cancer patients, as are the several States which have adopted programs for the control of cancer, as well as voluntary groups led by the Women's Field Army which are engaged in a nation-wide educational campaign; and WHEREAS last year cancer was responsible for the deaths of approximately 152,000 Americans, many of whom were occupying key positions in industries and professions related to the national defense; and WHEREAS great improvements in treatment facilities for cancer patients have been made during the past year, with cancer clinics approved by the American College of Surgeons now reaching the encouraging total of 345; and WHEREAS it now remains for the individual citizen to shoulder his responsibility by informing himself regarding cancer symptoms and the necessity for early diagnosis and treatment: NOW, THEREFORE, I, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, Presi- dent of the United States of America, do hereby set apart the month of April, 1941, as Cancer Control Month, and invite similar action on the part of the Governors of the several States, Territories, and possessions of the United States; and, in order that the American people may become better informed concerning the prevalence of cancer and the effective steps which can be taken to control it, I commend to the medical profession, scientific groups, all organs of opinion, including the press, radio, and motion picture industry, and educators, and civic leaders, the importance of conveying edu- cational information to the American people and of impressing upon them the necessity for eternal vigilance in this fight for humanity. Cancer control must be an important part of our unified effort to make America strong and keep her morale high. This fight can be won only when physicians, scientists, and public health officials are effectively aided by a public opinion that is well informed regarding the few basic facts of cancer control. March 18, 1941 [No. 2467] 36U. 8. C. §160. Dealgnatlon of April 1941 as Cancer Control Month. 278941' -42-PT . II -47 55 STAT.]