Pittsburgh Review

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute is set to hold its monthly cancer screening clinic on April 5, 2025, at the AHN Saint Vincent Cancer Institute in Erie, Pennsylvania. Registration for the event opened on March 13, 2025, and appointments can be made by calling 814-452-5960. The clinic is open to both AHN and non-AHN patients, regardless of their insurance status.

The one-day clinic will provide screenings for various types of cancer including breast, cervical, colorectal, head and neck, lung, prostate, and skin cancers. These screenings are designed to offer a convenient opportunity for individuals to receive multiple critical health checks in a single visit.

In previous events held at AHN Saint Vincent in 2024, there were 161 attendees who underwent a total of 375 screenings. Results showed that 76% were normal while 24% were abnormal.

April marks Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society's estimates for 2025, there will be approximately 59,660 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer diagnosed in the United States with an expected death toll of around 12,770 from these diseases. Incidence rates for these cancers are significantly higher in men compared to women.

“A significant hurdle in head and neck cancer treatment is the pervasive misconception that these cancers only affect smokers and heavy drinkers,” stated Warren Swegal, MD., chairperson and surgical lead of head and neck cancer at Allegheny Health Network. “The reality is far broader – HPV infection, genetics, and even long-term exposure to the sun can all play a role.”

AHN plans another screening event at Saint Vincent on September 13, 2025. Additional clinics will also take place throughout Western Pennsylvania during the year.

Since its inception in 2014, the AHN Cancer Institute's comprehensive screening program has been conducted monthly on Saturdays across Western Pennsylvania due to its success and the increasing demand for early detection services.