Pittsburgh Review

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute is set to host its monthly Saturday cancer screening clinic on May 17, 2025. The event is open to both AHN and non-AHN patients, with registration currently ongoing. Those interested must schedule an appointment by contacting 412-359-6665. The clinic welcomes patients regardless of their insurance status.

Participants can undergo up to seven different screenings in one location. The screenings available are for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer. The age ranges for each screening vary, with specific requirements for lung cancer screening based on a history of cigarette smoking.

Last year’s screening event at AHN West Penn saw 81 attendees and resulted in 219 tests conducted. From these, 74% had normal results, while 26% were abnormal and required further testing.

May is designated as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness month, encouraging regular skin examinations for early detection of any abnormalities. Skin cancer screenings are notably the most attended at AHN's clinics. In 2024, over 803 attendees in Western Pennsylvania underwent 783 skin exams, with 303 exams suggesting abnormalities that prompted further testing.

“May is a great time to raise awareness about skin cancer, but vigilance shouldn't end with the month,” remarked Howard Edington, MD, director of the AHN Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center and AHN’s Cutaneous Oncology Program. “Regular self-skin checks, year-round, and professional skin exams are crucial for early detection. Don't let a single sun-drenched day or a missed check become a missed opportunity for early intervention.”

Future screening events are scheduled for June at Jefferson Cancer Institute, July at Allegheny General Hospital Cancer Institute, and August at the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion.

The AHN Cancer Institute has provided one-stop comprehensive cancer screenings since 2014. Recognizing the program's success and the need for prevention and early detection, screenings have been made available monthly across Western Pennsylvania for the past four years.

For those unable to attend the Saturday clinics, comprehensive screenings can be scheduled by appointment at Jefferson Hospital and Forbes Hospital. Interested individuals should call 412-359-6665. For skin cancer screenings, appointments can be made at West Penn or AHN Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion by dialing 412-578-4673.