Great news for Alaskans! Thanks to a generous partnership between Alaska Health Fair, Inc., Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation, and Alaska Men’s Run, free PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) screening tests are now available at health fairs across Alaska – from the North Slope to Southeast Alaska.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men after skin cancer. The good news? When caught early, more than 99% of people diagnosed with prostate cancer today will be alive in five years. That’s why early detection through screening is so crucial.
Who Should Get Tested?
Everyone born with a prostate should understand their personal prostate cancer risk:
- Men of African descent, military personnel/Veterans, and those with a family history of cancer should consider having a PSA test done at age 40
- Other men should consider getting regular PSA testing starting at age 45 and older
- If you haven’t done a PSA test before, this is a fantastic opportunity to establish your baseline measurement for future comparison
Those who have already received their free PSA screening from Alaska Health Fair, Inc. this year do not qualify for a free PSA test. This is because the number of free PSA tests is limited, and we want to ensure the most Alaskans benefit from this program.
How the Free PSA Program Works
It’s simple and convenient:
- Ask for a Free PSA Test at a Health Fair – Visit the Alaska Men’s Run booth or a PSA education booth at any AHF health fair to briefly review your individual risk factors.
- Receive Your Free PSA Test – If your risk assessment indicates screening would be beneficial, you’ll receive a coupon for a free PSA blood test; we’ll do the test right at the fair.
- Get Your Results – Your PSA results will be mailed directly to you. You can bring your blood test results to your healthcare provider. AHF works with the leading CLIA certified laboratory, the same one used by many of the local hospitals and healthcare providers.
- Resource Guide – by the time your test results arrive, AHF will publish a resource guide on www.alaskahealthfair.org with local resources and educational information about prostate health – stay tuned!
- Call our Registered Nurse with any questions – call our toll-free voicemail box at 1-833-800-1292. AHF Health Educator & RN will return your call and address your questions.
About Our Partners
Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation
Launched in 2024, the Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation is revolutionizing cancer care in Alaska. AIOF unifies four established oncology centers under one mission – Anchorage Radiation Oncology Center, Mat-Su Valley Cancer Center, Peninsula Radiation Oncology Center, and Southeast Radiation Oncology Center – ensuring all 740,000 residents of Alaska have access to comprehensive cancer services, regardless of location or insurance status. The foundation’s Patient Needs Fund and community support initiatives have already assisted more than 60 patients and provided over $160,000 in community support.
We’re deeply grateful to the Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation for making this free PSA screening program possible through their foundation donation of 1,000 free PSA tests, and to Alaska Men’s Run for their continued advocacy and support for men’s health.
Alaska Men’s Run
Since 1996, Alaska Men’s Run has been at the forefront of fighting prostate and testicular cancer in Alaska through their annual 5-mile run and 2-mile walk held each June in Anchorage. They offer individual grants up to $500 per person per year and organizational grants up to $5,000 to support groups providing research, moral support, and information related to prostate and testicular cancer. They’re also the support arm behind Us TOO Alaska, a peer support group for people with prostate or testicular cancer. You can find their awesome team pretty much at all AHF health fairs in Southcentral Alaska.
Ready to Get Screened?
No appointment needed – just show up!
Visit the Alaska Health Fair, Inc. website at www.alaskahealthfair.org to find a complete schedule of upcoming health fairs. Pick an event that you like and just show up – no appointment needed. Remember: regular screening and early detection are your best defense against prostate cancer. Share this opportunity with the men in your life – it might save their life. Bring your friends and family!
For more information:
- Alaska Health Fair: (907) 278-0234 | ed@alaskahealthfair.org
- Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation: (907) 743-3910 | info@aiofak.org
- Alaska Men’s Run: (907) 378-2365 | akprostate@gmail.com
About Alaska Health Fair, Inc.
Since 1980, Alaska Health Fair Inc, a nonprofit organization, has been serving communities across our state with health education and preventative screenings. Each year, AHF organizes around 100 health education events (health fairs), providing thousands of Alaskans with access to affordable comprehensive blood tests and connecting them with local health and wellness resources. This grassroots model of Alaskans supporting Alaskans has been building a stronger, healthier state for over four decades. Please visit www.alaslahealthfair.org for more details.