Wellstar Cancer Care
Face cancer with confidence
Every person with cancer is unique, from your genetic makeup to your body, from your beliefs and lifestyle to the people in your life. You’re one-of-a-kind and so is your treatment plan at Wellstar.
- Wellstar Cancer Care
- About
- Highlights
- Services
- Locations
- News
About Us
- Overview
- Cancer Screening
- Our Care Team
- Awards & Accreditations
- Research & Clinical Trials
- Cancer Treatments
- Survivorship & Support
- Give Now
Cancer Care at Wellstar
People face cancer with confidence at Wellstar because of our multidisciplinary care model, physicians’ expertise and advanced treatments close to home. In fact, we have more than 300 healthcare providers that provide expert cancer care at nine cancer programs with convenient locations across Georgia.Our multidisciplinary teams surround patients and their families with knowledgeable and compassionate support. Specialty programs for patients are led by physicians with advanced training. Here, patients see leading specialists who are experts in their fields.
Wellstar invests in state-of-the-art technology and participates in clinical trials to give patients access to a variety of advanced treatments including minimally-invasive surgery, high precision radiation dosages by CyberKnife and TrueBeam delivery systems, intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion (HIPEC) as well as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies based on the latest advances in biomarker testing. Patients who qualify for clinical trials have access to groundbreaking treatments, often years before they are FDA-approved.
Because of Wellstar’s integrated approach to cancer treatment, our programs are nationally recognized by The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer and the Care Continuum Centers of Excellence (CCCOE), a program of the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, among others.
Identify Cancer Earlier, or Prevent It
At Wellstar, we believe in lowering risk and preventing cancer whenever possible. We offer screening programs and genetic risk assessment to help people understand their unique risk factors and catch cancer before or after symptoms appear with advanced diagnostic technology. When screenings catch cancer in earlier stages, patients can have better outcomes.
Breast cancer screening
Wellstar patients in the communities we serve have access to breast cancer screening. Click to learn more about where to be screened, our screening technology and what to expect when getting a mammogram—or images of the breast—which can help identify signs of cancer before symptoms appear, and can help catch cancer earlier for better outcomes.
Learn more about breast cancer screenings at Wellstar
Lung cancer screening
Patients who qualify have access to low-dose CT scans with low levels of radiation exposure, which help detect lung cancer early. While lung cancer is historically difficult to detect, it is highly curable when found in early stages. Click to learn more about lung cancer screening, such as who should be screened and how to schedule a screening.
Learn more about lung cancer screenings at Wellstar
Colorectal cancer screening
While colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States when men and women are combined, screening can completely prevent cancer by removing polyps found during a colonoscopy. Or, it can catch cancer earlier, which leads to better treatment outcomes. Click to learn about colorectal cancer screening options, and who should be screened.
Learn more about colorectal cancer screenings at Wellstar
Prostate cancer screening
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is the most common way for men to screen for prostate cancer on a regular basis. Before deciding whether to be screened, men aged 55 to 69 years should have an opportunity to discuss the potential benefits and harms of screening with their clinician. Men at higher risk for prostate cancer may need to start their screening in their 40s. Black men are at higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, and men with a family history of prostate cancer are also at an increased risk.
Learn more about prostate cancer screening at Wellstar
Genetic risk assessment
People with a family history of cancer including breast and ovarian cancer as well as colon and endometrial cancers may also benefit from a genetic risk assessment and high-risk screening options.
Learn more about the Wellstar Genetic Risk Assessment program
Our Care Team
At Wellstar, patients have access to a personalized multidisciplinary care team who offers you comprehensive care from screening, diagnosis, and second opinions to treatment and support.Patients have access to board-certified and world-renowned oncology specialists, the largest genetic counseling program in the state, and an incredible network of support for treatment and follow up care that may include nurse navigators, speech and physical therapists, oncology registered dietitians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and financial counselors.
Leading cancer experts
Medical specialists collaborate with each other to create patient-centered care plans. Our multidisciplinary teams often include board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians who have the most advanced training and knowledge in their fields. Through Wellstar's membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, our oncology specialists have a direct connection to Mayo Clinic specialists and can request eConsults — virtual second opinions — at no additional cost to the patient. Our specialists include:Nurse navigators
Patients at many Wellstar cancer programs could not imagine care without their nurse navigator. In fact, patients say nurse navigators are a big reason why they can face cancer with confidence. Nurse navigators are registered nurses trained in specific clinical areas and bring a highly personalized level of guidance and support to each patient and family members from initial diagnosis through post-treatment follow up.Registered oncology dietitians
Our registered dietitians specialize in oncology nutrition to maximize nutritional status before, during and after treatment with nutrition counseling and meal plans, educational programs and tube feeding management.Oncology social workers
Our oncology social workers focus on strategies to empower and improve the quality of life for people with cancer and their families during treatment and beyond. Support from an oncology social worker can include short-term counseling, groups and connections to psychological therapy. Cancer can affect many different parts of life, and we can help you adjust to your diagnosis and provide guidance and education about how to share that information with your family, friends and community. We also assist patients by connecting you with community resources and helping you navigate financial programs and services that may assist you.Psychological and psychiatric therapy
It can help patients to cope with the emotional side of cancer and treatment side effects with the support of an oncology psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor. Often, these specialists help people manage pre-existing conditions such as depression and anxiety too.Psychologists and counselors specializing in cancer work with individuals, couples and families to encourage coping and problem-solving, relaxation, stress reduction and improved well-being. Many people with cancer experience depression, anxiety and fatigue and our psychiatrists assess symptoms and manage medical treatment of these symptoms.
Genetic counselors
Many people find that working with our board-certified genetic counselors can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis. Information is a powerful tool that can help patients understand their disease and participate in treatment, including screening plans, lifestyle changes and medical and surgical options.Palliative care specialists
Our palliative care physicians are specially trained in complex symptom and pain management for patients with cancer. We work with people throughout their treatment to manage pain as well as symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, stress and any other symptom related to cancer disease and treatment.Every member of your personalized care team at Wellstar is here to help you face cancer with confidence.
A Recognized Cancer Treatment Leader
Because Wellstar continues to pioneer innovative cancer treatments and technologies to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients, it is accredited and awarded by leading national organizations.Accredited by the Commission on Cancer, Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient
Wellstar is the recipient of The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation and the Outstanding Achievement Award, the highest honor awarded to a cancer program in the United States. The CoC recognized Wellstar as the first Network Cancer Program in Georgia and the fifth in the nation.
National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
Wellstar is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a designation granted to those centers committed to providing the best possible care to patients with breast diseases. NAPBC accreditation recognizes breast care centers that ensure comprehensive breast cancer services integrated across care disciplines, addressing the needs of patients at every care level from cancer prevention, to surviving disease with a high quality of life, to transitional care.
National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC)
Wellstar has been recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. In 2022, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center was the first hospital in metro Atlanta to be accredited by NAPRC. This accreditation is granted to rectal cancer programs that offer integrated, comprehensive care for patients across care disciplines, acknowledging Wellstar’s commitment to provide personalized, high-quality cancer care that’s convenient for our patients in Georgia.
Recognized by GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer
Wellstar is designated as a Care Continuum Center of Excellence by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. The foundation identifies community hospitals that meet rigorous qualifying criteria and demonstrate collaborative leadership across the lung cancer care continuum. CCCOE recognizes that by meeting their criteria, Wellstar is on par with leading academic and research institutions and provides patients with access to the latest innovations not typically found in community hospitals.
American College of Radiology Commendation in Lung Screening
Wellstar is one of the nation's largest and highest quality lung screening programs, allowing us to detect cancer earlier and customize the best treatment plan for each patient. That's why we are proud to have been designated as a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). When lung cancer is detected at its early stages, the chances of defeating it are higher, and this designation highlights our commitment to providing accurate and safe diagnostic care for our patients.
Cancer Research & Clinical Trials
The Wellstar Research Institute and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers work closely with select local and national partners to enroll patients in clinical trials, often providing groundbreaking treatments years before FDA approval.Groundbreaking Clinical Trials in Your Community
When patients qualify, they have access to groundbreaking treatments, procedures and technologies through clinical trials, often years before the FDA approves them. We are typically are involved in 50 trials at any given time, giving our patients access to advanced treatments close to home..National Partners
The Wellstar Research Institute and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers work closely with select local and national partners—including NCI (National Cancer Institute) and the Mayo Clinic—to give patients access to the latest clinical trials without leaving their communities..Track Record of Success
Clinical research programs Wellstar patients have participated in have led to the approval of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for various diseases, most recently for breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, lung cancer and kidney cancer.Because of clinical trials our patients have participated in, these therapies are now available more widely. Specifically, people with cancer who participate in clinical trials here have helped Wellstar oncology specialists and our partners accomplish the following:
- First FDA approval for immunotherapy for breast cancer and small cell lung cancer.
- Immunotherapy treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer for nearly five years before FDA approval.
- Gynecologic oncology clinical trials for patients in connection with the Mayo Clinic.
- With Morehouse School of Medicine, joined a network to develop a repository of data and bio-specimens to improve standards of cancer care through new clinical trials, technology, informatics solutions and personalized medicine.
- Approval of more than 20 medications by the FDA after trials involving Wellstar patients.
Thanks to Our Patients
Thanks to patients before you, many effective treatments are now available. And, there could be a trial that’s right for you. Patients who are interested in learning more should speak with an oncologist. To face cancer with confidence and to learn more about clinical trials and research at Wellstar Health System and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, call (470) 267-1470.
Patients Deserve Leading Treatments
When someone is diagnosed, cancer treatment and care should be delivered by oncology physicians with in-depth training and experience. Each person with cancer is unique, and your treatment plan will be created around your diagnosis and your life. Board-certified specialists recommend treatments based on what’s best for you.
Clinical Trials
The Wellstar Research Institute and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers work closely with select local and national partners to enroll patients in clinical trials, often providing groundbreaking treatments years before FDA approval. When patients qualify, they have access to treatments, procedures and technologies through clinical trials, often years before the FDA approves them. We are typically are involved in 50 trials at any given time, giving our patients access to advanced treatments close to home.
Cancer Surgery
People with cancer have access to cancer surgery by specialists at Wellstar, who are often involved in research that lead to the development of innovative procedures, surgical instruments and technology. Our renowned specialists perform a range of advanced surgeries including minimally-invasive robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS); Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion (HIPEC); and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), one of the latest surgical advancements that combines oncological surgery and radiation therapy.
Learn more about cancer surgery at Wellstar
Radiation Therapy
Patients at Wellstar who would benefit from radiation therapy have access to leading experts in radiation oncology, and some of the most sophisticated radiation therapy techniques and technologies available today. Some Wellstar locations now offer intraoperative radiotherapy, an intense radiation therapy performed during surgery. Wellstar is also the only healthcare system in Georgia that offers CyberKnife and TomoTherapy at a single location. Some Wellstar cancer treatment centers feature state-of-the-art stereotactic radiation therapy using TrueBeam technology.
Learn more about radiation therapy at Wellstar
Medical Oncology
Patients who are treated by a medical oncologist at Wellstar have access to the latest targeted therapies, immunotherapy and chemotherapy to fight cancer. At Wellstar, oncologists offer tailored medicine for the most precise treatments. Several drugs have been developed which target specific genetic abnormalities in the cancer’s DNA. With a set of biomarker tests, DNA sequencing can be performed on the previously biopsied tumor to determine whether one of these targeted therapies might be effective. Through clinical trials at select locations, oncologists can give patients who qualify access to new treatments before they are FDA approved and commercially available.
Learn more about medical oncology at Wellstar
Integrative Therapies and Rehabilitation
Some Wellstar patients benefit from integrative medicine, which can enhance quality of life for people during cancer treatment and beyond. Some people with cancer require cancer rehabilitation due to changes including speech and swallowing challenges, swelling (lymphedema), fatigue, muscle loss and pain after treatment. Therapists at Wellstar locations across Georgia specialize in areas including speech, lymphedema and pelvic floor rehabilitation to help patients people improve their quality of life.
Learn more about cancer rehabilitation at Wellstar
Survivorship & Support
Our survivorship and support programs help patients achieve optimum health and wellbeing from the time of diagnosis and beyond. Our support team members help each patient navigate through all aspects of a diagnosis, treatment and care. Depending on a patient's personal needs, your care may be supported by nurse navigators, oncology registered dietitians, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers and financial counselors.
Some people with cancer require rehabilitation due to changes including speech and swallowing challenges, swelling (lymphedema), fatigue, muscle loss and pain after treatment.
Education and support groups are also important to patients following a diagnosis. Learn from others and share your experiences to stay emotionally and physically healthy. Wellstar offers cancer-related support groups and educational opportunities including nutrition and fitness sessions.
Learn more about our support services for people with cancer.
Fight Cancer with Wellstar Foundation
As a not-for-profit, gifts to the Wellstar Foundation make it possible to provide patients with additional resources and amenities for a higher level of comfort and care. Every dollar donated supports Wellstar's vision of delivering world-class healthcare, which is carried out through patient-centered programs, advancements in technology and making reliable healthcare available close to home. Your generosity also makes it possible to provide free mammograms, lung screenings and diagnostic services to uninsured patients every year. For more information about how to support our fight against cancer, visit the Wellstar Foundation, email [email protected] or call (770) 956-GIVE.
Highlights
World-Class Cancer Care
Cancer Types We Treat
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Sarcomas
- Skin cancer
- Small bowel cancer
- Spine cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Rare & other types of cancer
Locations
News
Newsroom
Wellstar Brings Robotic Surgery to the Paulding Community
For the first time, people in Paulding County and nearby communities have access to leading-edge robotic surgery close to home. Wellstar Health System launched a new robotic surgery program at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center.
“We’re thrilled to offer access to game-changing da Vinci robotic surgery at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center for the first time in history,” said Ralph Turner, Wellstar senior vice president and president of Wellstar Paulding Medical Center.
Robotic technology enables surgeons to make highly precise incisions smaller than the human hand can make — as tiny as a keyhole. As a result, people who have robotic surgery typically experience less blood loss, recovery pain and scarring.
“Robotic surgeries are minimally-invasive, which typically means shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries,” said Dr. Beau Dusseault, a urologist who leads the robotics program at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center.
He performed the first robotic surgery at the hospital, assisted by the $1.8 million da Vinci Xi Surgical System, on August 22. Dr. Dusseault has performed more than 440 robotic surgeries for prostate cancer and urinary tract conditions.
Experienced urologists and general surgeons are the first to offer robotic surgery at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center, primarily treating:
- Cancers such as prostate, kidney and bladder cancers
- Conditions in the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract
- Hernias and other conditions that require general surgery
The surgical team named the robot “Rosie,” a reference to the robotic maid from the 1960s sitcom “The Jetsons.” It is one of 14 robotic systems patients can benefit from at nine Wellstar locations.
“While our robotic surgery program is new to Paulding, we have high-volume robotic experience that we are bringing from the other Wellstar hospitals,” Dr. Dusseault added.
Highlights
Lower Your Risk & Recognize Signs of Gynecological Cancer
In recent years, most cervical cancers have become completely preventable with a vaccine, and there are screening tests to identify it early. However, it’s important for women to understand the warning signs of gynecological cancers that don’t have screening tests, such as:
- Endometrial (uterine) cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
- Other rare types
Lower your risk for gynecological cancer
At your annual women’s health appointment, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your family history and lifestyle choices that can make a positive impact on your health. Here are some ideas to consider lowering your risk for different types of gynecological cancer:
- Share your family history with your healthcare provider. Only about 5 to 10 percent of gynecological cancers are genetic, according to Wellstar Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Amy Carroll. However, some patients may benefit from genetic risk assessment, which looks for hereditary gene mutations that increase an individual’s risk for ovarian cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Women who are overweight have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the most common type of endometrial (uterine) cancer – and for the cancer to return after treatment. This is a challenge for many people and your health providers want you to feel empowered – not embarrassed – to discuss your BMI, nutrition, weight reduction and wellness.
- Stay tobacco-free or quit tobacco. Again, many health providers can help women with education and resources to quit smoking or vaping for the long haul. Quitting tobacco can reduce your risk for some gynecological cancers and many other health conditions.
Watch for changes in your body & talk to your doctor
Because there are no screening tests for gynecological cancers other than cervical cancer, it is important for women to be educated on the signs and symptoms — and to act on them.
“Unfortunately, there are many vague symptoms associated with a lot of gynecologic issues,” Dr. Carroll said. “Typically, I tell people if you have any symptom that doesn’t come and go but persists for a couple weeks or more, it’s worthwhile to talk to somebody about it.”
Dr. Carroll said that one symptom patients should always discuss with their provider is post-menopausal bleeding. Also, while most people experience occasional bloating, persistent bloating can be a sign of ovarian cancer and should be discussed with a provider, she said.
Signs & symptoms of gynecological cancer
Some gynecological symptoms to discuss with your doctor include:
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Excessively heavy menstrual cycles
- Abnormal bleeding between periods
- Unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating or nausea
- Discharge or pain with intercourse
- Severe change in bowel or bladder habits
- A heavy feeling in the pelvis
- A sore or lump in your vulva
The highest level of treatment for gynecological cancer
The physicians and healthcare teams at Wellstar are focused on keeping women healthy and preventing and lowering the risk of cancer and other health conditions. However, when a woman does get gynecological cancer, she has access to a team of experienced and knowledgeable gynecological cancer experts close to home.
Wellstar’s gynecologic cancer care program includes:
- A gynecological cancer-specific multidisciplinary tumor conference where gynecological oncologists, radiation and pathologists meet to diagnose and plan treatment.
- Gynecologic cancer surgeons who perform procedures robotically, laparoscopically or as open procedures, based on evidence-based practices that lead to the best outcomes.
- A robust support network that includes cancer-specific nutritional counseling, genetic counseling, nurse navigation, psychological counseling and more.
Learn more about gynecological cancer
Take control of your health and learn easy ways to prevent and screen for cervical cancer.
Highlights
Partner with Your Provider to Help Prevent Gynecological Cancer
The more you know about your health, the more empowered you are to take control of it. There’s no greater example of the power you have to protect your future when it comes to preventative health visits and cervical cancer. While cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers, it doesn’t have to be.
With the guidance of their physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, women and teens can learn important information and take action that could potentially save their lives. That’s because most types of cervical cancer are now completely preventable.
It’s not too late to vaccinate
Cervical cancer typically affects women between 30 and 50 years of age. Younger women are also at risk.
Of course, prevention works best when it starts early. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents cervical cancer. It is recommended to give the vaccine to children around 11 or 12 but can be given as early as 9 years of age.
If not previously vaccinated, the HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone through the age of 26 and can be administered by a primary care provider or gynecologist. Even some adults in their 30s and 40s who were previously unvaccinated benefit from getting an HPV vaccination.
A pediatrician, primary care provider, gynecologist or many pharmacists and healthcare providers in public health departments can administer the vaccine.
How well does it work?
The HPV vaccine has been found to provide close to 100 percent protection against infections and pre-cancers caused by HPV.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV infections and cervical precancers (abnormal cells on the cervix that can lead to cancer) have dropped significantly since the vaccine has been in use in the United States. Among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 86 percent. There has been a 71 percent decrease for young adult women.
Identify cervical cancer earlier for better outcomes
Women can also be screened for cervical cancer at regular intervals. There are two tests that can help:
- The more traditional is a Pap smear, which looks for precancers, or cell changes on the cervix.
- The newer HPV test identifies the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause the cells to become cancerous.
Most health plans cover preventative care services — like vaccines and screening tests — at no additional cost. For people without insurance, Wellstar Medical Group practices have low-cost annual exams that include evaluation for cervical cancer and a Pap test if it is medically appropriate.
To find a primary care provider, gynecologist or pediatrician, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.
Take control of your health and read how to lower your risk and recognize the signs of gynecological cancer.