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Article Category: Highlights

Well Starts with Clean Colons

Published on March 21, 2022

Last updated 03:41 PM March 21, 2023

Well starts with clean colons

For many people, talking about colon health can be a little uncomfortable. However, medical issues don’t just go away if you ignore them.

Being proactive about your well-being with preventative care can help catch colorectal cancer or another serious condition early, often before it becomes a bigger problem.

Wellstar is committed to keeping your colon healthy with preventative screenings and expert care, so you can continue to live well.

Catch colorectal cancer early

Early detection is the best prevention, especially when it comes to colon cancer. If caught early, colorectal cancer has a survival rate of 91%.

“Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, so it’s very important that everyone gets screened,” said Dr. Cameron Body, Wellstar gastroenterologist. “For an average risk person, screenings should begin at age 45.”

Those with a higher risk or family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening even sooner. Talk with your provider to start a screening schedule — and stick with it to stay ahead of the disease.

Schedule your colonoscopy today.

Why colonoscopies work

During a colonoscopy, your physician will view the inside or your colon and look for polyps or any other abnormal tissue that could be cancerous. This preventative testing is key to catching colorectal issues at the start.

“A colonoscopy is the gold standard when screening for colon cancer. The procedure itself is not painful, and we make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process,” Dr. Body said.

“The goal is to do a high-quality exam with a good prep to find polyps when they’re small and get them removed to minimize the risk of them subsequently developing into cancer,” Dr. Body explained.

“For colon cancer, it takes a polyp about five to 15 years to evolve into an invasive cancer,” shared Dr. Carmen Klass, oncologist and hematologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. “If you have a colonoscopy every five to ten years, they can remove the polyp and it will never be declared an invasive cancer.”

“In fact, if all Americans did their screening colonoscopies every five to ten years, then the death rate for colorectal cancer would drop by 50%,” Dr. Klass shared, urging people not to put off the preventative screening.

See how colorectal cancer screening saves lives.

For colon cancer, it takes a polyp about five to 15 years to evolve into an invasive cancer. If you have a colonoscopy every five to ten years, they can remove the polyp and it will never be declared an invasive cancer.

- Dr. Carmen Klass

Oncologist & Hematologist

“Recently, colon cancer has been a major trending topic in public discourse, and it has been impacting younger individuals each year. It is important to start colon cancer screening at the age of 45 or sooner if you have a family history of colon cancer,” said Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Nikhil Kadle. “This is a preventable disease - so please speak with your Primary Care Provider or Gastroenterologist to help get you screened. Colonoscopies can help prevent colon cancer, diagnose and help direct early treatment if you are diagnosed.”

Signs of colorectal cancer

A colonoscopy is typically the way colon cancer is discovered. However, it’s important to watch for these warning signs that may indicate colorectal cancer or other serious bowel issues:

  • A change in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
  • Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
  • Abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas and pain
  • Feeling like you are unable to empty your bowels completely
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your provider right away.

Colorectal cancer care at Wellstar

If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, count on Wellstar for comprehensive, personalized care. Our specialists will work together with you to form a tailored treatment plan and offer support every step of the way.

“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, we walk with them and guide them on this difficult journey,” Dr. Klass said, sharing how Wellstar provides compassionate care.

Wellstar offers medical expertise close to home, clinical trials and state-of-the-art surgical procedures to treat colorectal cancer. We also have a multidisciplinary gastrointestinal (GI) tumor board that diagnoses and creates treatment plans collaboratively.

Along with cancer surgeons, medical oncologists and other experts, our care team also includes GI-specific nurse navigators, dietitians, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors to offer complete care and support.

Learn how Wellstar cares for colorectal cancer care.

Get answers with genetic testing

Whether you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or are concerned about the chance of developing it, genetic testing can help you understand your risk of getting the disease.

If your parent, sibling or child have had colorectal cancer, you are two to three times more likely to develop the condition compared with someone with no family history. Our genetic counselors can help determine how genetic testing could benefit you and your family.

“Wellstar offers support from genetic counselors to help keep other family members safe in the future,” Dr. Klass said, sharing how testing can help safeguard your loved ones.

Find out if genetic testing is right for you.

For more ways to stay on track, follow our digestive health tips to keep your colon in top shape.

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Cameron Bilbro Body Carmen Manuela Klass Digestive Care
Cancer Care
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Wellstar Commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Day with Atlanta Braves

Wellstar was honored to partner with our hometown team, the Atlanta Braves, for Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Truist Park on Sunday, May 7, against the Baltimore Orioles. 

Wellstar breast cancer survivors were recognized during a pre-game brunch, as well as on the field before the first pitch. Braves fans were also invited to join Wellstar for festivities to raise awareness of breast cancer with special guest, NBA Hall of Famer and Wellstar Ambassador Dominique Wilkins. 

At Wellstar, we believe breast cancer takes a team approach. Our experts across all our specialties coordinate care with a patient-centric focus. We collaborate with providers specializing in primary care, women’s health, imaging, oncology and surgery to provide comprehensive, timely care.

Thank you to Braves fans for celebrating breast cancer survivors with us and encouraging those you love to schedule their annual screenings.

Early detection is crucial in breast cancer care. Screening for breast cancer at regular intervals can help catch it earlier — before symptoms appear — for better treatment outcomes. Call (678) 581-5900 to schedule your mammogram now, and visit wellstar.org/catchitearlycare to learn more.

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Celebrate Cancer Survivors Day with Wellstar

Wellstar Health System supports people with cancer throughout their journeys, from early screening to diagnosis to treatment. However, our encouragement and dedication to delivering world-class, compassionate care doesn’t end in remission.

Across our system, Wellstar honors the bravery and strength of survivors every day, rejoicing in each milestone. This National Cancer Survivors Day, we are proud to pay tribute to people who have conquered cancer while offering hope to those still fighting. This year’s Cancer Survivors Day theme, “Cruising Toward Survivorship,” exemplifies Wellstar’s commitment to being a steadfast source of encouragement for cancer survivors and fighters across Georgia.

“Cancer Survivors Day gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect and cherish victories over cancer. It also provides an outpouring of support to people currently fighting cancer, so they know they are never alone,” said Nicole Centers, executive director of the oncology service line & nurse leader at Wellstar.

Several Wellstar facilities will host Survivors Day events — and you can be a part of the celebration.

 

Wellstar Cobb Medical Center
Imaging Center Parking Lot
1625 Hospital North Drive
Austell, GA 30106
Friday, June 2
Noon to 2 p.m.
RSVP by contacting Ashley Dapremont at (470) 732-4523 or [email protected]

 

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
Cancer Center
320 Kennestone Hospital Boulevard
Marietta, GA 30060
Saturday, June 3
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This location is at capacity. Please see the full list of events and RSVP to attend a neighboring Wellstar location or reach out to [email protected] or (470) 793-7436 for additional information.

 

Wellstar Douglas Medical Center
Surgery Center Entrance
8954 Hospital Drive
Douglasville, GA 30134
Saturday, June 3
Noon to 2 p.m.
RSVP by contacting Diane Harris at (470) 644-6613 or [email protected]

 

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Enoch Callaway Cancer Center
111 Medical Drive
LaGrange, GA 30240
Sunday, June 4
1 to 3 p.m.

RSVP by contacting Sarah Hersey at (706) 845-3848 or [email protected]

 

Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Cancer Center Parking Lot and Atrium
144 Bill Carruth Parkway
Hiram, GA 30141
Sunday, June 4
1 to 4 p.m.
RSVP by contacting Mary Hyde at (470) 644-8157 or [email protected]

 

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
Main Lobby
3000 Hospital Boulevard
Roswell, GA 30076
Sunday, June 4
2 to 4 p.m.

RSVP by contacting Pam Plasket at (770) 410-4556 or [email protected]

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Newsroom

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Opens New Comprehensive Cancer Center

Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, announced the grand opening of the Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center on the Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center campus in Roswell, Georgia on March 27. The Center will serve as one of only two locations in metro Atlanta featuring state-of-the-art CyberKnife® technology for radiation therapy, a noninvasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where radiation therapy is needed.

The Cancer Center will now offer comprehensive cancer services, including medical oncology; radiation oncology; imaging and many medical specialties from nationally recognized, expert and experienced physicians all in one convenient location.

“With this beautiful new $12 million state-of-the-art Comprehensive Cancer Center, we can offer people in our community some of the most advanced cancer treatments close to home,” said Jon-Paul Croom, president of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “People will be able to come to the 12,000-square-foot Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center for almost all aspects of diagnosis, staging and treatment, with surgery across the way at the hospital.”

Wellstar team members and the Roswell community celebrated the official opening of the Cancer Center last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony following ten months of construction. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility and Wellstar’s second CyberKnife system, newly housed at the Cancer Center.

Wellstar first began using the CyberKnife System at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in 2006 to treat conditions throughout the body and can be an alternative to surgery or for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors. CyberKnife can reduce radiotherapy timelines from the traditional eight weeks to as little as one to five days.

“We are committed to providing the best treatment options for our patients and are proud to bring the CyberKnife system to this community,” said Dr. Mark McLaughlin, radiation oncology medical director for Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “With the state-of-the-art CyberKnife technology, we can deliver high precision radiation in fewer radiotherapy sessions with the goal of making treatment easier and improving outcomes for patients. We look forward to continuing to help patients beat cancer and celebrate their futures.”

The multidisciplinary team of cancer experts onsite will offer patients a high level of knowledge and expertise, along with compassion and hope. The multi-disciplinary physician experts at Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center include:

  • Dr. Mark McLaughlin, Radiation Oncologist
  • Dr. Jay Singh, Colorectal Surgeon
  • Dr. Faisal Bhutta, Pulmonologist
  • Dr. Greg Coffman, General Surgeon
  • Dr. Arthur Grigorian, Neurosurgeon
  • Dr. Sachin Lavania, Pulmonologist
  • Dr. Nagender Mankan, Medical Oncologist
  • Dr. Satyen Mehta, Medical Oncologist
  • Dr. Scott Miller, Surgical Urologist
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  • Dr. Theolyn Price, Thoracic Surgeon
  • Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, Otolaryngologist

Learn more about Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Services.

To learn more about the CyberKnife System, please visit cyberknife.com.

CyberKnife technology

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