Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute Opens Seventh Wig Program at Forbes Cancer Institute

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute (AHNCI) will host an open house for its newest wig salon location at Forbes Cancer Institute on May 3 from 1-2:30 p.m.
• The Forbes wig program is the seventh location to open within the AHNCI in Western Pennsylvania and is meant for patients who experience hair loss or thinning hair during cancer treatment.
• Wigs distributed through the program are purchased by AHNCI and provided to eligible patients free of charge, regardless of whether they are an AHN patient or not.

MONROEVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute (AHNCI) will host an open house for its newest wig salon location at Forbes Cancer Institute (2626 Haymaker Road, Monroeville, Pa. 15146) on Friday, May 3, from 1-2:30 p.m.

Visitors are invited to tour the new program location, meet the wig fitters, check out the wigs and available accessories, and enjoy celebratory cupcakes while learning more about the AHNCI Integrative Oncology program and complimentary patient resources.  

Meant for patients who experience hair loss or thinning hair during cancer treatment, the Forbes wig program is the seventh location to open within the AHNCI in Western Pennsylvania.

“Hair loss can be a devastating part of the cancer journey, especially for women, and wig programs like AHN’s can help ease the burden for patients facing these difficult health battles,” said Laurin Scanlon, Director of Volunteer Services, AHN. “Expanding the wig program into Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs is in keeping with AHN’s commitment to provide equitable access across all of the communities we serve.”

Patients can also access the benefits of the wig program in person at AHNCI’s locations at Allegheny General Hospital, AHN Cancer Institute - Erie, Jefferson Hospital, Wexford Hospital, AHN Cancer Institute – Butler, or virtual. 

The AHN wig program reopened its doors in March 2021 following a pause due to the pandemic. Since then, the program has expanded to allow virtual appointments via Zoom and has distributed more than 450 wigs to cancer patients free of charge. During the virtual appointments, patients receive education on the various types of wigs, cleaning and maintenance instructions, and learn how to adjust their wig for a proper fit. The patient then will select a wig of their choice to receive in the mail.

“Wigs can cost hundreds of dollars apiece – prices that may seem out of reach or extravagant for someone going through cancer treatment,” Scanlon said. “Our wig salons can help relieve not just the emotional burden of hair loss, but also some of the financial burden of cancer care.”

On-site wig fittings are scheduled in advance and held at each location in a private room by a trained AHN Cancer Institute volunteer or staff member. When the patient arrives for their 45-minute appointment, they can try on wigs of various styles, lengths, textures, and colors. Patients are also encouraged to bring a friend, family member or caregiver with them. At the end of the appointment, the patient is educated on how to care for their wig and given tips on accessorizing.

Any cancer patient can benefit from the AHN wig program, regardless of where they are receiving treatment for their disease. To qualify, the patient must be newly diagnosed with cancer, anticipating hair loss, and currently without a wig.  

Wigs distributed through the program are purchased by AHNCI and provided to patients free of charge. AHNCI accepts monetary donations to support the purchasing of wigs for this program. Donations can be made online at https://www.ahn.org/about/support-ahn and donors can indicate that they wish to support the AHNCI Integrative Oncology, or the Wig Program.

AHNCI also offers other programs to help cancer patients integrate into daily life such as a makeup class, skin and nail care class, and rejuvenation services at local salons and spas throughout Western Pennsylvania. Interested patients must register for all complimentary services by calling 412-330-4045.