During national Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, South Peninsula Hospital is offering incentives to support colonoscopy cancer screenings. Dr. Greg Hough, general surgeon, is offering free colonoscopy consultations during March, a savings of up to $300. A free $20 token to the Homer Farmers’ Market will be given to every person who gets the free colonoscopy consult.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America, but with regular screening, can often be cured or prevented. Colonoscopy is the preferred screening method for colon cancer, as it allows physicians to look directly at the entire colon and to identify suspicious growths, which often can be removed before they turn into cancer. 

For normal-risk individuals, this short, simple procedure is recommended every 10 years beginning at age 50. Alaska has some of the highest incidence rates of colon cancer in the nation, yet just over 50 percent of Alaskans older than 50 report being up to date with colon cancer screenings. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 42 percent of residents in the South Peninsula Hospital service area are over 50 years old.

In addition, a healthy diet — with lots of fruits and vegetables — is an important part of reducing overall cancer risk. 

For more information, or to schedule your free consult with Dr. Hough, call 235-0310.