Cancer Prevention/Support

Cancer Prevention

Alaska Native men and women are at a greater risk for becoming diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer can be detected early and possibly avoided with regular preventative screenings, immunizations, and knowing your family history.

Screening and early detection can save lives. It is recommended to get screened more often if your family has a history of cancer. Please call your primary care team to schedule your routine screenings at (907) 729-3300.

Cancer Support

Southcentral Foundation Health Education offers cancer support groups and learning opportunities. The Power of Hope Cancer and Education Social Group is a place where you can find support and discover healthy methods to manage living with, and surviving, cancer. Professionals will share stories on nutrition and meal planning, cancer prevention, risk factors and early detection, gene counseling, coping with stress, choosing the right treatment options, and more.

For learning circles and group support please call (907) 729-2689.

View the Power of Hope Learning Circle calendar by visiting the helpful links at the bottom of the page.

Colorectal Cancer

The Alaska Native Medical Center’s Colorectal Cancer Clinic is jointly operated by Southcentral Foundation and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, which provides screenings for customer-owners. There are two different types of colorectal cancer screenings: sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.

Alaska Native men and women are two times more likely to get diagnosed with colorectal cancer than non-Natives. Screening and early detection saves lives, so be sure to get screened at 50, or earlier if your family has a history of colon cancer.

Four out of five people who get colorectal cancer would not get it if they had regular screenings, tests where they look for cancer. Screenings can find and remove polyps, small growths, before they turn into cancer.

For more information on these procedures, click here.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects one out of every eight women in the United States. There is a greater chance of treatment being successful when breast cancer is detected early. According to the National Cancer Institute, they recommend women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every one to two years.

The Health Education and Wellness Center offers Breast Cancer Support Groups as need is determined. Please call to inquire at (907) 729-2689.