Barriers to Routine Preventive Care in Alaska

Distance, weather, work schedules, insurance status, and a limited health workforce hinder access to routine preventive care in Alaska.

The Alaska Beacon is an independent, nonpartisan news organization focused on connecting Alaskans to their state government.

Every August, Alaskans gather in Palmer for the State Fair. They come for the exhibits, the food, and the chance to see neighbors from across the state.

On Thursday, Aug. 27, a good number of them also came for something less festive and more useful: cancer screening.