In recognition of prostate cancer awareness month, Alaska Urological Associates and Alaska Regional will offer free prostate cancer screenings in mid-September.  Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men. It may be survivable when detected early, and the only way to detect it in the early stages is through screening.

According to the Prostate Cancer Education Council, men should get a baseline PSA test at age 40 and annual screenings starting at age 45. Men 40 and older with a family history of prostate cancer should be tested annually.

Appointments can be made by calling 276-1474.  The free screenings will take place at Alaska Urological Associates' Anchorage office on Alaska Regional's campus (1200 Airport Heights, Suite 101) on the following dates:

Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday, September 15, 4 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, September 16, 4 - 8 p.m.
Thursday, September 18, 4 - 8 p.m.

Alaska Regional recently completed construction of an endovascular neuroradiology suite in the hospital's radiology department.  The 600 square-foot suite took approximately six months to construct, and enables the facility to offer alternatives to treating stroke and aneurysm besides brain surgery.  It is the only such facility in Alaska, and many of the minimally invasive procedures offered are available no where else in the state.

Alaska's aging population and the prevalence of stroke and aneurysm led the hospital to seek and earn Primary Stroke Center Certification last summer, and to expand its neurosciences capabilities by the construction of this suite.

The new suite is outfitted with a state-of-the-art neuroradiology system which takes very detailed X-ray images that allow the physician to reconstruct the patient's anatomy in a three-dimensional view, providing a look into an aneurysm, or the ability to view blood vessels from two different angles at the same time. 

The physician uses these images to thread extremely fine catheters through blood vessels that lead directly to problem areas in the brain, so they may seal off  aneurysms, destroy clots or open clogged arteries with stents -- all without surgery.

Advantages to minimally invasive procedures may include a reduction in pain, intracranial swelling and risks associated with traditional neurosurgery. Other advantages may include a shorter hospital stay, decreased risk of infection, improved outcomes and satisfaction and decreased expense for the patient. For more information, please call 276-1131.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all women who schedule a mammogram at Alaska Regional during October will be entered into a drawing to win a pink KitchenAid Artisan mixer.

Mammograms can save lives by detecting breast cancer early, and women 40 and older are encouraged to get one annually. Call 264-1244 to schedule a mammogram now - appointments are limited in October.

Free instructional breast self exam (BSE) tapes are also available - contact Audry Whalen at 264-1113 if you would like a copy.

All women should conduct their own monthly BSE, and the American Cancer Society recommends that women between 20 and 39 should schedule a breast exam by a health professional at least every three years.

Alaska Regional Hospital offers a free immunization clinic the third Saturday of each month.  Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Please call 264-1105 to find out the location of the upcoming clinic.

The free immunizations are available to patients through 18 years of age.  Immunizations should place at birth, two months, four months, six months and again at 12-15 months of age.  Boosters and hepatitis A and B shots are required for school-aged children.  Adult tetanus shots are also available for free. 

Information on the Anchorage School District immunization requirements can be found online at <http://www.asdk12.org/parents/health/requirements.asp>. 

For more information about free immunizations at Alaska Regional Hospital, please call 264-1105 or the hospital's main number at 276-1131.