Proclamation 9485-National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2016
Issued 2016-09-01 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama declared September 2016 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month through this proclamation. This is a ceremonial designation meant to bring public attention to prostate cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in American men. The proclamation notes that in 2016, approximately 180,000 men would be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 26,000 would die from the disease. It specifically mentions that men who are African American, over age 65, or have a family history of prostate cancer face higher risk.
This proclamation doesn't create new laws or require anyone to do anything—it's a formal statement encouraging awareness and education about prostate cancer. The proclamation references existing federal efforts already underway, including the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force led by Vice President Biden, Department of Veterans Affairs pilot programs for veterans with prostate cancer, and the Precision Medicine Initiative. It also mentions that the Affordable Care Act provides coverage protections for people with prostate cancer.
The proclamation encourages citizens, government agencies, businesses, and organizations to participate in activities that increase awareness and prevention of prostate cancer. Presidents have issued these types of ceremonial proclamations since George Washington to draw attention to important causes, and they represent a traditional executive function that doesn't require congressional approval.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9485-National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to prostate cancer. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9485—National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2016 September 1, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in American men, and too many men and their families feel the pain and grief it brings. As a country, we must do everything in our power to support men who are battling prostate cancer, deliver the care and treatment they need, and defeat this devastating disease. A cancer-free future is within our grasp—with bold vision and daring optimism, we are pioneering medical breakthroughs in research and seeking to discover a cure for cancer in our time. During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we remember all the men who lost their lives to this disease, and resolve to reach a tomorrow where prostate cancer is no longer a threat to our sons and grandsons. In 2016, approximately 180,000 men will be diagnosed, and 26,000 men will lose their battle with prostate cancer. Incredible advancements have paved the way for better prevention, detection, and treatment of this disease, and over the past two decades, the incidence of new cases and mortality rates for prostate cancer have been steadily declining. M