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Tuesday, May 23, 2023
AHN Cancer Institute Hosts No-Cost Cancer Screening in Erie
ERIE, Pa. – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute, Saint Vincent will host a no-cost cancer screening event on Saturday, June 17, at Erie East Side Health + Wellness Pavilion, 4950 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510. The screening is open to the public and health insurance is not required.
Registration for the event is now open and closes on June 9. Reservations must be made by calling 814-452-5960.
Screenings offered by AHN will include breast mammography for those ages 40 and older; cervical cancer screening, including pelvic exam and PAP smear for those ages 21 to 65; colorectal cancer screening for those ages 45 and older; head and neck cancer screening for those ages 18 and older; prostate cancer screening for those over 45 and skin cancer screening for those ages 18 and older. Those with a history of smoking, ages 50-80, can also get a low-dose CT scan lung cancer screening. Patients may receive as many screenings as they are eligible for.
Doctors encourage anyone eligible for the screenings to attend the event, regardless of whether they are experiencing any medical symptoms or complications, as early detection is essential for treatment of many cancers.
“Over 1,600 screenings were conducted on 588 patients throughout 2022, and we are on track to surpass those numbers this year,” said James Betler, DO, AHN radiation oncologist and director of AHN’s cancer screening program. “AHN’s Cancer Institute is proud to provide this service to the community, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of these no-cost screenings and be vigilant and proactive about their own health.”
The last free screening event at the East Side Health + Wellness Pavilion in April 2022 drew 100 patients who received a total of 269 screenings. Of those screenings, 70 presented abnormal results and required additional follow up.
Additional free screenings are scheduled throughout the remainder of the year at a variety of locations in Western Pennsylvania, including one at AHN Grove City Hospital in July. The next free screening in Erie will be held on September 16 at the West Side Health + Wellness Pavilion. A full list of remaining cancer screenings can be found on the AHN website.