Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation

04/06/2026

Proud sponsors of the American Lung Association in Alaska Clean Air Challenge! 👏

04/03/2026

In Alaska and the U.S., head & neck cancers are increasing, many linked to preventable risk factors like HPV. Symptoms can be easy to miss but the good news is that when found early, they are often highly treatable.
Watch for:
• Persistent sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Lump in the neck
If something doesn’t feel right, please see a provider. Early detection can save lives, especially here at home in Alaska.

04/01/2026

👏What an exciting week of donations! We believe compassionate care matters at every stage of the journey, that's why we are honored to support Hospice of Anchorage with a $5,000 donation, helping ensure individuals and families receive comfort, dignity, and support when they need it most.

Hospice care is more than medical support, it’s about presence, peace, and walking alongside patients and their loved ones with compassion and respect. We are grateful to partner with organizations making such a meaningful impact in our community.

04/01/2026

We are proud to support programs that make a real difference in the lives of cancer survivors. 💙We recently donated $10,000 to the YMCA’s LIVESTRONG® program through the YMCA of Alaska, that is helping expand their cancer survivor wellness program in the Mat-Su Valley. This initiative empowers individuals to regain strength, build community, and move forward with confidence after cancer.

Three of our AIOF board members had the honor of attending the check presentation, and we’re inspired by the impact this program continues to have. Together, we’re building stronger, healthier communities in Alaska, one survivor at a time.

03/31/2026

🎉Congratulations and well-deserved! Best of Juneau, our very own Chief Medical Officer, and Southeast Radiation Oncology Center's Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Eugene Huang!

Best of Juneau! Dr. Eugene Huang is pure gold to our patients and our community.🥇Awards aside, what truly matters is the care, compassion, and expertise he brings every single day. We’re incredibly proud to have him serving Juneau and Southeast Alaska, and making a difference when it matters most.
👏Join us in congratulating Dr. Huang on this well-deserved recognition!
www.bestofjuneau.org/ #/gallery/532022930

03/31/2026

🎗️Most people think that colore**al cancer affects only older adults, but today, more young adults are being diagnosed than ever before. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended screening age for colore**al cancer from 50 to 45 in response to the increase in diagnoses. Colore**al cancer is not an old person’s disease. Being aware of signs and symptoms could save your life.💙

What’s the difference between colon and re**al cancer—and what do they have to do with colore**al cancer? Understanding which is which can help you be prepared when reading materials, doing research or talking to your doctor.

Colore**al is the umbrella term for cancer in the colon or re**um. Colon cancer starts in the colon (your large intestine), while re**al cancer starts in your re**um (the final part of your large intestine). Learn more about the distinctions and risks associated with these cancers at the link in the comments.

03/24/2026

🫐We’re proud to share the final National Nutrition Month post from Ashley Schwickert, Registered Dietitian, whose dedication and expertise have made a meaningful impact across our clinics this March.

Ashley is a valued member of the integrative care teams at Mat-Su Valley Cancer Center in Palmer and Peninsula Radiation Oncology Center in Soldotna. Throughout the month, she has gone above and beyond, developing thoughtful tips, practical guidance, and nourishing recipes to support patients and their families.

🎗️Her work is a great reminder that cancer care goes beyond treatment alone. At Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation, we believe in caring for the whole patient, and nutrition is a vital part of that journey.

Thank you, Ashley, for the time, heart, and knowledge you’ve shared with our communities.💚

👏We encourage everyone to check out her posts from the past few weeks and follow along for more helpful, approachable nutrition guidance!

For our final week of National Nutrition Month, let’s focus on building fiber-rich habits!🌱More than 90% of women and 97% of men aren’t getting enough fiber 😳Adding fiber at every meal and snack can help close this gap, supporting fullness and reducing chronic disease risk.

🙌Daily fiber goals (National Academy of Medicine):
• Women 50+: 21g | ≤50: 25g
• Men 50+: 30g | ≤50: 38g

Ashley's recommendation for easy ways to boost fiber:
🥗 Tofu & Lentils
Plant proteins with 3g–9g fiber per ½ cup. Add to soups, salads, tacos, stir-fries, smoothies, or swap for meat.

🥦 Broccoli & Artichokes
5g–10g fiber per cooked cup. Roast, toss into salads, soups, or stir-fries.

🥄 Flax & Chia Seeds
5g–10g fiber per 2 Tbsp. Mix into yogurt, oatmeal, salads, or smoothies.

🍓 Strawberries & Raspberries
3g–8g fiber per cup. Enjoy as snacks or add to yogurt, cereal, desserts, or meals.

💚Small changes = big impact. Let’s close the fiber gap together!

03/23/2026

🎗Across Alaska, we stand alongside patients, families, and caregivers affected by multiple myeloma. While multiple myeloma can bring uncertainty, there is real and growing hope. Advancements in treatment, ongoing research, and strong support systems are helping more Alaskans live longer, fuller lives.
This month, we raise awareness, encourage early conversations, and honor every story. Together, we can continue to bring support and hope to those navigating multiple myeloma.

03/20/2026

🌿Happy Spring, Alaskans! We look forward to the midnight sun and all the wonderful things summer brings.

🌱On this Spring Equinox, we welcome the return of light, even if winter hasn’t quite loosened its grip. This season has tested us. The cold, the storms, the long days in between. And for many walking through cancer care, that weight can feel even heavier.
💚Brighter days are coming, in ways both big and small. We are here with you, through every season. Happy Spring, Alaska! We look forward to the midnight sun and all the wonderful things that summer brings.

03/13/2026

👏Happy Social Worker Month Shirlie!💚Cheers to our absolutely wonderful Oncology Social Worker that supports patients at all four of our clinics across AK!

💚March is Social Work Month, and we’re proud to recognize our incredible oncology social worker. "This March, we are celebrating one of our most incredible team members, Shirlie, our oncology social worker extraordinaire!
Shirlie is the definition of resourceful. Whether she's coordinating cancer care across the entire state, dismantling barriers that stand between patients and the treatment they need or showing up with unwavering compassion during a patient's most vulnerable moments, she finds a way. Every single time.
No challenge is too complex, no barrier too great. As you would expect from anyone from Kodiak, Shirlie doesn't just connect patients to resources, she becomes the bridge when there isn't one." - Dr. Michael Green

Oncology social workers help patients and families navigate the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer care and Shirlie does it with unmatched dedication and compassion. Thank you for being such an essential part of our cancer care team!

03/10/2026

🎗️Statewide, colon cancer is a leading cancer threat, particularly in our Alaska Native community that is facing the highest rates globally, with an incidence of 88.5 per 100,000 and over a 50% mortality rate.
🎗️There is hope: 90% of cases are treatable if caught early which is why early detection is so important.
*Colonoscopy remains the gold standard and most common, a comprehensive colon exam that includes the ability to remove polyps during the procedure
*F***l Immunochemical Test (FIT): Simple, annual stool test for hidden blood; no prep, widely used, especially in remote areas
*Stool Test: Non-invasive, detects blood and DNA markers
This Colore**al Cancer Awareness Month, let's remember that Screening Saves Lives! Please talk to your doctor to discuss your options.

03/10/2026

🚨Scholarship Opportunity, please share! Healthcare Excellence Scholarship Fund: We offer scholarships to help Alaskan students reach their full potential and improve healthcare in their communities. The scholarship supports students pursuing degrees at accredited U.S. schools. Up to ten (10) students from across Alaska will be selected to ensure statewide representation. Preference is given to students who plan to return to Alaska if they pursue education outside the state. Due March 15th.
👉Apply Here: https://alaskacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=13018