PITTSBURGH – The COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions to forego potentially life-saving cancer screening tests such as mammography. In order to provide easy access to screening to as many people as possible, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute is offering monthly screening events, free and open to the public, at locations throughout western Pennsylvania.

Registration is now open for the next screening, scheduled for Saturday, March 26 at AHN Cancer Institute-Beaver, located at 81 Wagner Road, Monaca (Center Township.) Registration is open until March 17, or until the session is filled, and can be made by calling 412-359-6665.

Screenings will be available for cervical cancer (ages 21-65), colorectal cancers (age 45-75), head and neck cancers (age 18+), lung cancer (ages 50-80 with a history of smoking), prostate cancer (ages 45+) and skin cancer (ages 18+). The event is open to AHN and non-AHN patients, and health insurance is not required.

Mammography for breast cancer screening and low dose CT for lung screening will be available at AHN’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion, 12311 Perry Highway, Wexford.

“The five screening clinics we offered in 2021 were quickly booked to capacity and very well received. As physicians we were thrilled to see this response, as we are very concerned about the possibility of an increased number of cancer diagnosis due to missed screenings,” said David Bartlett, MD, Chair, AHN Cancer Institute. “Our goal for 2022 is to reach even more people, and to try to ensure easy access to screening in all the communities of our region.”

Upcoming events are planned for AHN Cancer Institute locations in New Castle, Hempfield, Grove City and Allegheny General Hospital, the East Side Health + Wellness Pavilion in Erie, and West Penn and Jefferson hospitals. More details will be announced at a later date.

The American Cancer Society urges all people to follow recommendations for regular cancer screenings and to take steps to prevent cancer, including not smoking, exercising, staying at a healthy weight, following a healthy diet and limiting alcohol consumption.

AHN is taking numerous steps to help patients stay safe in its facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic including around-the-clock disinfecting and screening, spaced appointments, distancing in waiting areas and use of personal protective equipment. All patients attending the AGH event will be screened for COVID-19 on the day before the event and on arrival at either facility.