Also: Health fairs around the state this month
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to increase awareness about this prevalent disease. Breast cancer affects millions worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. Early detection, often through screening, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and can save lives.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. While it can affect both men and women, it's far more common in women. Regular self-examinations and routine screenings play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer.Mammography remains one of the most effective screening tools available. It can detect breast cancer up to three years before it can be felt during a physical exam. Women are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers about the appropriate age to start and the recommended frequency of mammograms based on their individual risk factors.
Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 1980 to promote health awareness and early detection in Alaska at health fairs statewide. We occasionally collaborate with local providers to offer mammography screenings at our events. We encourage everyone to check our schedule of health fairs (see below) and affordable blood tests at http://www.alaskahealthfair.org and our Facebook page to see if mammography screenings are available at a health fair near you.
National and local resources
For those seeking additional resources and information on breast cancer, we recommend:
The National Breast Cancer Foundation ( http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ )
Breast Cancer Research Foundation ( http://www.bcrf.org/ )
American Cancer Society ( http://www.cancer.org/ )
Alaska Breast and Cervical Screening Assistance Program (AK B+C) ( https://health.alaska.gov/dph/wcfh/Pages/AKB+C/default.aspx, Phone: 1-800-410-6266 )
Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska (Fairbanks) ( https://www.bcdcofalaska.org, phone: 907-479-3909 )
October health fairs and affordable blood testing
Alaska Health Fair delivers around 100 health fairs throughout Alaska annually. Our mission is to empower people to take charge of their health through education and access to affordable blood testing.
Embrace October's golden glow with health fairs and affordable blood draws:
Oct. 5 Anchorage Make It Alaskan Day at Egan Center, 555 W 5th Ave., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on day one, noon to 5 p.m. day two.
Oct. 9 Palmer Mat-Su College Community Health Fair, 8295 E. College Rd., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Oct. 10 Anchorage Community Fair at Hope Community Resources, 570 W 53rd Ave., 8 a.m. to noon
Oct. 12 Girdwood Community event, 250 Egloff Dr., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Oct. 12 Anchorage Enlaces Hispanic/Latino Health Fair at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3900 Wisconsin St., 8 a.m. to noon.
Oct. 12 Delta Junction Community event at Elementary School Gym, 2659 Nistler Rd., 8 a.m. to noon.
Oct. 19 Wasilla Wasilla Area Seniors, 1301 S Century Circle, 8 a.m. to noon.
Oct. 19 North Pole Community event at Plaza Mall, 301 N Santa Claus Lane, 8 to 11 a.m.
Oct. 22 Fairbanks Alaska Health Fair, Inc. Office Draw, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
New blood tests available
This season, Alaska Health Fair is excited to offer new blood tests to support your health:
Magnesium ($25): Essential for energy production, muscle function and bone health.
Uric Acid ($25): Helps diagnose gout and monitor levels during treatments.
Celiac t-Transglutaminase (tTG) ($40): Screens for celiac disease, an immune reaction to gluten.
These tests complement our existing range of affordable blood screenings, providing valuable insights into your health, allowing for early detection and prevention of various conditions. For our complete schedule, details about each event, and information on all available tests, visit http://www.alaskahealthfair.org.
