AHN Cancer Institute Hosts Fifth Cancer Screening of 2024 at West Penn Hospital

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Press Releases Cancer Institute West Penn Hospital

PITTSBURGH - Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute will host its fifth monthly cancer screening of 2024 on Saturday, May 4, at AHN West Penn Hospital's Mellon Pavilion, Suite 322, 4800 Friendship Ave. in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood.

The event is open to both AHN and non-AHN patients. Registration for the event is now openand closes on April 26, or until all appointments are filled. Reservations must be made by calling 412-359-6665.

Screenings for the following cancers will be available: breast cancer (for ages 40+), cervical cancer (ages 21-65), colorectal cancers (age 45+), head and neck cancers (age 18+), lung cancer (ages 50-77 with a history of smoking), prostate cancer (ages 45+), and skin cancer (ages 18+).

In 2023, the cancer screening event at West Penn drew 98 participants who received a total of 202 screenings. Of those screenings, 158 yielded normal results while 44 were flagged as abnormal. Patients who receive abnormal test results are advised to undergo further investigational testing.

Doctors encourage those eligible for the screenings to attend the event regardless of whether they are experiencing medical symptoms or complications, as early detection is essential for the treatment of many cancers.

"Early detection is the strongest weapon we have against many forms of cancer," said James Betler, DO, system director for the AHN Cancer Institute and director of AHN's cancer screening program. "By providing these one-stop-shop screenings monthly across Western Pennsylvania, we're empowering patients to proactively take their health into their own hands and be the frontline defense against this disease."

The AHN Cancer Institute has been offering free, one-stop comprehensive cancer screenings since 2014. Because of the program's success and the ongoing need for early detection, three years ago the program was expanded to offer monthly screenings on Saturdays across Western Pennsylvania.

AHN also holds weekday comprehensive cancer screening clinics for insured patients at Jefferson Hospital (Tuesdays) and Forbes Hospital (Wednesdays). Patients can call 412-325-9015 to schedule an appointment for the Jefferson and Forbes weekly screenings.

Following the West Penn event, a screening will be held on June 8 at Premier Medical Associates in Monroeville. For additional information about the AHN cancer screening program, visit https://www.ahn.org/lp/free-cancer-screenings.