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About Wellstar

Our patients are the center of everything we do. We're nationally ranked and locally recognized for our high-quality care, inclusive culture, exceptional doctors and caregivers, and one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia.

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Hand ringing bell in celebration of conquering cancer

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.

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1 (877) 366-6032
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  • STAT Clinics
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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 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. In our STAT Clinics, we put people at the center of their care by bringing multiple cancer experts together to collaborate about your care and meet with patients the same day. We offer patients the opportunity to meet with your physicians in STAT Clinics for lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and brain and spine cancer. 

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:
  • Medical oncologists
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Breast surgeons
  • Thoracic surgeons
  • Neurosurgeons
  • Ophthalmologists
  • Orthopedists
  • Surgical oncologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Dermatologists
  • Ear, nose & throat specialists
  • Gastroenterologists
  • Colorectal surgeons
  • Urologists
  • Gynecological oncologists
  • Pathologists
  • Medical genetics specialists
  • Palliative care physicians
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.

Logo reading Commission on Cancer Accredited Program A Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons


 

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.

Logo reading NAPBC National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers Accredited Breast Center A Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons

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.

Logo reading Commission on Cancer National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer A Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons

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.

Logo reading G02 Foundation for Lung Cancer Center of Excellence Care Continuum Providing Excellence in Patient-Centered Care

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.

Logo reading Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center American College of Radiology


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.

STAT Clinics

Short for Specialty Teams and Treatments, STAT Clinics were created by our leading cancer specialists to give patients a unique way to benefit from the highest level of multidisciplinary care. Our STAT Clinics put people at the center of their care. We bring multiple cancer experts to collaborate about your care and meet with patients the same day. Cancer experts including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, cancer surgeons and other specialists collaborate and offer a personalized treatment plan. As a result, patients and their families are able to ask questions, make decisions and start treatment sooner. People often comment on physicians’ attentive and unrushed manner in Wellstar’s STAT Clinics.

Learn more about STAT Clinics at Wellstar, or find the one nearest you. 

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.

Mayo Clinic Care Network Member logo

Wellstar and Mayo Clinic are working together to improve the delivery of healthcare. Through our collaboration, Wellstar combines the wisdom of Mayo with the expertise of Wellstar to offer the best care and treatment plans for even the most complicated diagnoses.

Learn more

Call Now

Connect with a member of our Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center team to learn more or schedule an appointment.

(770) 410-4530

Highlights


Illustration of provider looking at colon with magnifying glass

Wellstar Offers Advanced Colorectal Cancer Care Close to Home

When a Wellstar patient is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, their multidisciplinary care team works with them to create a personalized care plan, with advanced, expert treatment available at every step of the cancer journey.

Learn more
Illustration of Ion system

Lung Biopsy Technology at Wellstar Reduces Complications, Speeds Up Treatment

Innovative technology at Wellstar is offering patients a new, minimally invasive option for lung biopsies.

Learn more
Patient discusses prostate cancer screening, or PSA, with doctor.

Why Prostate Cancer Screening Changed

Some men have anxiety about prostate cancer screening and long-term effects of treatment. It's important to talk to your doctor because they've changed.

Learn more
A cancer expert studies a lab test.

ACCELERATING
CANCERCARE

Atlanta Business Chronicle recently talked with a panel of experts from Wellstar Health System and the American Cancer Society about ways to accelerate cancer care progress through scientific research and more.

Learn More
Hand ringing bell in celebration of conquering cancer

victoryovercancerCare

A cancer diagnosis can be unexpected and scary for both patients and their loved ones. But at Wellstar, we know the key to fighting cancer lies in a collaborative team approach.

Learn More
Photo of Scott Hullihen outdoors smiling.

ScottCare

When Scott Hullihen needed expert cancer care, he was referred to Wellstar’s Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Program, the first and only treatment center in metro Atlanta accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC).

Read his story
Frank and Llen Ryan on their front porch

JohnCare

It seems "defeat" just isn't in John Cashen's vocabulary. A survivor in more ways than one, John has overcome not only a catastrophic natural disaster, but also fought cancer with unyielding resilience.

Read his story
Frank and Llen Ryan on their front porch

PhylissCare

As the matriarch of her family, Phyliss Davis has always taken care of everyone before herself. Between a busy schedule and devoting time to her granddaughter Wynter, Phyliss made a habit of putting her own health on the back-burner.

Read her story
nan care

BelindaCare

Belinda Momon has been making music her whole life, encouraging elementary students to build good character, serving as band director, playing percussion and traveling with her church choir. There’s little that can stop this lifelong teacher and Douglas resident.

Read her story
nan care

NanCare

For years, Alpharetta attorney Nan Harman-Dempsey dealt with high-pressure situations in the courtroom. But after receiving the results from her biopsy, there was a new challenge on the docket: breast cancer. Nan’s fiery personality wouldn’t let her back down from taking on this new opponent.

Read her story
Frank and Llen Ryan on their front porch

Frank&LlenCare

When you first glance at Frank and Ellenora "Llen" Ryan, the word "fighter" likely isn't the top quality that pops into mind.

Between the two of them, they have defeated cancer twice, overcome debilitating spine pain and triumphed over a cardiology episode. Now, they’re fighting Parkinson’s disease with the same energy, confidence and heart.

Read their story
Illustration of a woman with breast cancer

Staying Healthy with Wellstar for 15 Years

Whether she’s riding motorcycles with her husband, enjoying a roller coaster with her daughter or keeping others well as a chiropractor, Kimberly Smith-Howard stays busy. But Kimberly still makes time to visit Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital for her regular screenings like mammograms — and says she has made health and wellness a priority since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2006.

Learn more

World-Class Cancer Care



Cancer Types We Treat


  • Anal cancer
  • Bile duct cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Blood cancers
  • Brain cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Endocrine cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Kidney cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Liver cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic syndrome
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • 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


Currently showing 52 total listed locations
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
340 Kennestone Hospital Boulevard
Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (770) 281-5100
mi away
1028
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
33.96939
-84.55342
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 300
Austell, GA 30106
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (770) 944-2830
mi away
1346
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
33.85579
-84.6051
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
2500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 490
Roswell, GA 30076
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (470) 321-7500
mi away
1356
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
34.06254
-84.32175
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
144 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite 3100
Hiram, GA 30141
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (678) 363-1940
mi away
1342
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
33.90099
-84.78053
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
6002 Professional Parkway
Suite 220
Douglasville, GA 30134
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (678) 715-9690
mi away
1344
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
33.74129
-84.72739
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
1120 Wellstar Way
Suite 305
Holly Springs, GA 30114
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (470) 267-0230
mi away
3232
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
34.14293
-84.51987
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
100 Market Place Boulevard
Suite 200
Cartersville, GA 30121
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (770) 386-7253
mi away
1314
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
34.20242
-84.79119
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
1020 J L White Drive
Suite 160
Jasper, GA 30143
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (706) 692-0603
mi away
1300
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar
34.44612
-84.45033
Wellstar Radiation Oncology
320 Kennestone Hospital Boulevard
Suite LL1
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 7:00 AM
Phone: (770) 793-7500
mi away
2330
Radiation Oncology
33.96902
-84.55293
Wellstar Radiation Oncology
1800 Hospital South Drive
Austell, GA 30106
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 948-6000
mi away
2332
Radiation Oncology
33.85547
-84.60506
Wellstar Radiation Oncology
148 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite LL30
Hiram, GA 30141
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (470) 644-8140
mi away
2334
Radiation Oncology
33.90079
-84.78111
Wellstar Radiation Oncology
111 Medical Drive
LaGrange, GA 30240
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (706) 845-3544
mi away
2310
Radiation Oncology
33.03208
-85.05947
Wellstar Gynecologic Oncology
4900 Ivey Road NW
Suite 1320
Acworth, GA 30101
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (770) 792-6262
mi away
3004
Gynecologic Oncology
34.03744
-84.69996
Wellstar Gynecologic Oncology
699 Church Street NE
Suite 235
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (770) 792-6262
mi away
2122
Gynecologic Oncology
33.96943
-84.55125
Wellstar Summit Surgical
4500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 230
Roswell, GA 30076
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 423-0395
mi away
2582
Summit Surgical
34.06314
-84.32256
Wellstar Summit Surgical
590 Nancy Street
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 423-0395
mi away
2552
Summit Surgical
33.96563
-84.55592
Wellstar Breast Surgery
2500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 410
Roswell, GA 30076
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (470) 956-4270
mi away
2770
Breast Surgery
34.06254
-84.32175
Georgia Breast Care
900 Towne Lake Parkway
Suite 312
Woodstock, GA 30189
Phone: (678) 370-0370
mi away - None
1938
Georgia Breast Care
34.1032
-84.53394
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
6002 Professional Parkway
Suite 260
Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: (770) 428-4486
mi away - None
1552
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
33.74129
-84.72739
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
144 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite 1400
Hiram, GA 30141
Phone: (770) 428-4486
mi away - None
1554
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
33.90099
-84.78053
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 319
Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: (770) 428-4486
mi away - None
1966
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
33.84665
-84.48984
Wellstar The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
3747 Roswell Road
Suite 318
Marietta, GA 30062
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (770) 428-4486
mi away
2022
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
33.98032
-84.44474
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
702 Canton Road NE
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: (770) 428-4486
mi away - None
1550
The Philip Israel Breast Center PC
33.96878
-84.54736
Wellstar Urology
55 Whitcher Street NE
Suite 250
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 428-4475
mi away
2132
Urology
33.96682
-84.55132
Wellstar Urology
3747 Roswell Road
Suite 317
Marietta, GA 30062
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (770) 428-4475
mi away
2138
Urology
33.98032
-84.44474
Wellstar Urology
144 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite 2300
Hiram, GA 30141
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 428-4475
mi away
2136
Urology
33.90099
-84.78053
Wellstar Urology
2450 Old Milton Parkway
Suite 204
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (470) 267-0420
mi away
2176
Urology
34.07072
-84.28683
Wellstar Urology
4904 Timber Ridge Drive
Suite 202
Douglasville, GA 30135
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 428-4475
mi away
2792
Urology
33.7297
-84.73592
Wellstar Urology
2500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 290
Roswell, GA 30076
Phone: (470) 956-4230
mi away - None
2174
Urology
34.06254
-84.32175
Wellstar Urology
1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 404
Austell, GA 30106
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 428-4475
mi away
2134
Urology
33.85579
-84.6051
Wellstar Urology
4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 317
Smyrna, GA 30080
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 428-4475
mi away
2142
Urology
33.84665
-84.48984
Wellstar Urology
4900 Ivey Road NW
Suite 1320
Acworth, GA 30101
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 428-4475
mi away
2436
Urology
34.03744
-84.69996
Wellstar Thoracic Surgery
61 Whitcher Street NE
Suite 4120
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 424-9732
mi away
2166
Thoracic Surgery
33.96719
-84.55169
Wellstar Thoracic Surgery
4500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 230
Roswell, GA 30076
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 424-9732
mi away
2160
Thoracic Surgery
34.06314
-84.32256
Wellstar Thoracic Surgery
1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 202
Austell, GA 30106
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 424-9732
mi away
2162
Thoracic Surgery
33.85579
-84.6051
Wellstar ENT
699 Church Street NE
Suite 340
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (678) 355-1620
mi away
2354
ENT
33.96943
-84.55125
Wellstar ENT
4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 205
Smyrna, GA 30080
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 801-5020
mi away
2724
ENT
33.84665
-84.48984
Wellstar ENT
1790 Mulkey Road
Suite 7
Austell, GA 30106
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 819-1435
mi away
2722
ENT
33.85931
-84.60574
Wellstar ENT
6002 Professional Parkway
Suite 100
Douglasville, GA 30134
Closed • Opens Monday at 9:00 AM
Phone: (770) 949-4200
mi away
2720
ENT
33.74129
-84.72739
Wellstar ENT
4550 Cobb Parkway North NW
Suite 305
Acworth, GA 30101
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 917-8190
mi away
2638
ENT
34.06791
-84.72319
Wellstar ENT
3747 Roswell Road
Suite 207
Marietta, GA 30062
Closed • Opens Monday at 7:00 AM
Phone: (470) 956-7815
mi away
2756
ENT
33.98032
-84.44474
Wellstar ENT
120 Stonebridge Parkway
Suite 230
Woodstock, GA 30189
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (678) 324-4398
mi away
2754
ENT
34.10009
-84.53725
Wellstar ENT
148 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite 220
Hiram, GA 30141
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 505-0023
mi away
2356
ENT
33.90079
-84.78111
Wellstar ENT
619 South 8th Street
Suite 304
Griffin, GA 30224
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (470) 956-4370
mi away
2178
ENT
33.23871
-84.26746
Wellstar Otology
699 Church Street NE
Suite 340
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (678) 355-1620
mi away
2450
Otology
33.96943
-84.55125
Wellstar Otology
4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 205
Smyrna, GA 30080
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 801-5020
mi away
3190
Otology
33.84665
-84.48984
Wellstar Neurosurgery
120 Stonebridge Parkway
Suite 210
Woodstock, GA 30189
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (470) 267-0670
mi away
3154
Neurosurgery
34.10009
-84.53725
Wellstar Neurosurgery
2500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 310
Roswell, GA 30076
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (770) 664-9600
mi away
2346
Neurosurgery
34.06254
-84.32175
Wellstar Neurosurgery
3747 Roswell Road
Suite 311
Marietta, GA 30062
Closed • Opens Monday at 7:30 AM
Phone: (470) 956-9000
mi away
2940
Neurosurgery
33.98032
-84.44474
Wellstar Neurosurgery
4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 215
Smyrna, GA 30080
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (470) 956-4410
mi away
3174
Neurosurgery
33.84665
-84.48984
Wellstar Neurosurgery
61 Whitcher Street NE
Suite 3110
Marietta, GA 30060
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:30 AM
Phone: (770) 422-2326
mi away
2102
Neurosurgery
33.96719
-84.55169
Wellstar Neurosurgery
1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 102
Austell, GA 30106
Closed • Opens Monday at 8:00 AM
Phone: (470) 956-4410
mi away
2350
Neurosurgery
33.85579
-84.6051

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Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar

340 Kennestone Hospital Boulevard
Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (770) 281-5100

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar

1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 300
Austell, GA 30106
mi away
Phone: (770) 944-2830

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar

2500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 490
Roswell, GA 30076
mi away
Phone: (470) 321-7500

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar

144 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite 3100
Hiram, GA 30141
mi away
Phone: (678) 363-1940

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar

6002 Professional Parkway
Suite 220
Douglasville, GA 30134
mi away
Phone: (678) 715-9690

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar

1120 Wellstar Way
Suite 305
Holly Springs, GA 30114
mi away
Phone: (470) 267-0230

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar

100 Market Place Boulevard
Suite 200
Cartersville, GA 30121
mi away
Phone: (770) 386-7253

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar

1020 J L White Drive
Suite 160
Jasper, GA 30143
mi away
Phone: (706) 692-0603

Wellstar Radiation Oncology

320 Kennestone Hospital Boulevard
Suite LL1
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (770) 793-7500

Wellstar Radiation Oncology

1800 Hospital South Drive
Austell, GA 30106
mi away
Phone: (770) 948-6000

Wellstar Radiation Oncology

148 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite LL30
Hiram, GA 30141
mi away
Phone: (470) 644-8140

Wellstar Radiation Oncology

111 Medical Drive
LaGrange, GA 30240
mi away
Phone: (706) 845-3544

Wellstar Gynecologic Oncology

4900 Ivey Road NW
Suite 1320
Acworth, GA 30101
mi away
Phone: (770) 792-6262

Wellstar Gynecologic Oncology

699 Church Street NE
Suite 235
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (770) 792-6262

Wellstar Summit Surgical

4500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 230
Roswell, GA 30076
mi away
Phone: (770) 423-0395

Wellstar Summit Surgical

590 Nancy Street
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (770) 423-0395

Wellstar Breast Surgery

2500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 410
Roswell, GA 30076
mi away
Phone: (470) 956-4270

Georgia Breast Care

900 Towne Lake Parkway
Suite 312
Woodstock, GA 30189
mi away
Phone: (678) 370-0370

The Philip Israel Breast Center PC

6002 Professional Parkway
Suite 260
Douglasville, GA 30134
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4486

The Philip Israel Breast Center PC

144 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite 1400
Hiram, GA 30141
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4486

The Philip Israel Breast Center PC

4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 319
Smyrna, GA 30080
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4486

Wellstar The Philip Israel Breast Center PC

3747 Roswell Road
Suite 318
Marietta, GA 30062
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4486

The Philip Israel Breast Center PC

702 Canton Road NE
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4486

Wellstar Urology

55 Whitcher Street NE
Suite 250
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4475

Wellstar Urology

3747 Roswell Road
Suite 317
Marietta, GA 30062
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4475

Wellstar Urology

144 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite 2300
Hiram, GA 30141
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4475

Wellstar Urology

2450 Old Milton Parkway
Suite 204
Alpharetta, GA 30009
mi away
Phone: (470) 267-0420

Wellstar Urology

4904 Timber Ridge Drive
Suite 202
Douglasville, GA 30135
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4475

Wellstar Urology

2500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 290
Roswell, GA 30076
mi away
Phone: (470) 956-4230

Wellstar Urology

1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 404
Austell, GA 30106
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4475

Wellstar Urology

4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 317
Smyrna, GA 30080
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4475

Wellstar Urology

4900 Ivey Road NW
Suite 1320
Acworth, GA 30101
mi away
Phone: (770) 428-4475

Wellstar Thoracic Surgery

61 Whitcher Street NE
Suite 4120
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (770) 424-9732

Wellstar Thoracic Surgery

4500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 230
Roswell, GA 30076
mi away
Phone: (770) 424-9732

Wellstar Thoracic Surgery

1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 202
Austell, GA 30106
mi away
Phone: (770) 424-9732

Wellstar ENT

699 Church Street NE
Suite 340
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (678) 355-1620

Wellstar ENT

4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 205
Smyrna, GA 30080
mi away
Phone: (770) 801-5020

Wellstar ENT

1790 Mulkey Road
Suite 7
Austell, GA 30106
mi away
Phone: (770) 819-1435

Wellstar ENT

6002 Professional Parkway
Suite 100
Douglasville, GA 30134
mi away
Phone: (770) 949-4200

Wellstar ENT

4550 Cobb Parkway North NW
Suite 305
Acworth, GA 30101
mi away
Phone: (770) 917-8190

Wellstar ENT

3747 Roswell Road
Suite 207
Marietta, GA 30062
mi away
Phone: (470) 956-7815

Wellstar ENT

120 Stonebridge Parkway
Suite 230
Woodstock, GA 30189
mi away
Phone: (678) 324-4398

Wellstar ENT

148 Bill Carruth Parkway
Suite 220
Hiram, GA 30141
mi away
Phone: (770) 505-0023

Wellstar ENT

619 South 8th Street
Suite 304
Griffin, GA 30224
mi away
Phone: (470) 956-4370

Wellstar Otology

699 Church Street NE
Suite 340
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (678) 355-1620

Wellstar Otology

4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 205
Smyrna, GA 30080
mi away
Phone: (770) 801-5020

Wellstar Neurosurgery

120 Stonebridge Parkway
Suite 210
Woodstock, GA 30189
mi away
Phone: (470) 267-0670

Wellstar Neurosurgery

2500 Hospital Boulevard
Suite 310
Roswell, GA 30076
mi away
Phone: (770) 664-9600

Wellstar Neurosurgery

3747 Roswell Road
Suite 311
Marietta, GA 30062
mi away
Phone: (470) 956-9000

Wellstar Neurosurgery

4441 Atlanta Road SE
Suite 215
Smyrna, GA 30080
mi away
Phone: (470) 956-4410

Wellstar Neurosurgery

61 Whitcher Street NE
Suite 3110
Marietta, GA 30060
mi away
Phone: (770) 422-2326

Wellstar Neurosurgery

1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 102
Austell, GA 30106
mi away
Phone: (470) 956-4410

News


Illustration of provider looking at colon with magnifying glass

Highlights

Wellstar Offers Advanced Colorectal Cancer Care Close to Home

When a Wellstar patient is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, their multidisciplinary care team works with them to create a personalized care plan, with advanced, expert treatment available at every step of the cancer journey. 

Innovative surgery options

Robotic surgeries offer patients several benefits such as less recovery pain, less blood loss, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, or for some outpatient procedures, no hospital stay at all. That means patients can start living cancer-free sooner and get back to their routines and the activities they enjoy. 

About 85% of colorectal cancer surgeries at Wellstar are now robotic procedures, said Wellstar Surgical Oncologist Dr. Sartaj Sanghera. 

“Robotic surgery has really provided us the tools as far as the instruments and vision so that a larger cohort of surgeons in general, colorectal surgeons and surgical oncologists have been able to adopt the technology,” Dr. Sanghera said.

Patients with smaller, early-stage tumors may be candidates for transanal minimally invasive surgery, known as TAMIS. Rather than making an incision in the abdomen to remove a tumor, the surgeon is able to access the tumor through the anus.

“It is working through a natural orifice, through the anus. It’s not actually poking a hole in the belly,” Dr. Sanghera said. “It’s really minimally invasive.”

TAMIS is usually offered as an outpatient surgery with no hospital stay. It has been especially helpful in treating patients who may be at higher risk with traditional surgery due to their age or comorbidities, Dr. Sanghera said.

New approach to treatment is improving outcomes

The colorectal cancer experts at Wellstar have adopted a relatively new approach to treatment called total neoadjuvant therapy, or TNT — making surgery the last step in the cancer treatment process. Patients receive chemotherapy and radiation first, then finish treatment with surgery.

“Recognizing that rectal cancer is a systemic disease, with risks of spreading to other parts of the body, we have evolved in our management of rectal cancer, offering an operation as the last step in the treatment process,” said Wellstar Surgical Oncologist Dr. Sahir Shroff.

Wellstar has seen positive results with this technique.

“We have adopted that approach for nearly all patients now,” said Wellstar Hematologist and Oncologist Dr. John French. “We are seeing that if you do that approach, it’s safe, more patients are able to complete all the therapy lines, and we are noticing an increase in pathologic complete response rates.”

Pathologic complete response describes the absence of any detectable cancer cells in a tissue sample following a particular treatment. It refers to the absence of cancer cells in the area of the body where the tumor was originally located, as well as anywhere the cancer may have spread.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is based on the concept that a patient’s own immune system can fight their cancer.

When given, immunotherapy drugs wake up the patient’s own immune system to recognize and fight the cancer.Colorectal cancer patients are screened for four proteins that help with DNA repair. If these proteins are missing or mutated, the patient is more likely to respond to immunotherapy.

While immunotherapy has been groundbreaking in the treatment of stage 4 colorectal cancer, only about 15% of patients are found to be eligible for the treatment based on their protein screenings, Dr. French said. 

If you are interested in immunotherapy, ask your provider about your care options.

Top-of-the-line rectal cancer care

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. 

To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal center must demonstrate compliance with the NAPRC standards addressing program management, clinical services and quality improvement for patients. Centers are required to establish a multidisciplinary rectal cancer team that includes clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.

Accreditation by the NAPRC is granted only to those programs that are committed to providing the best possible care to patients with rectal cancer.

Your cancer care team at Wellstar will advocate for you to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Learn more about colorectal cancer care at Wellstar.

Keep reading
Well starts with clean colons

Highlights

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.

Keep reading
Illustration of lungs and dandelions, text reads "BreathofFreshAirCare"

Highlights

BreathofFreshAirCare

Whether you’re running a marathon or simply running errands, having healthy lungs helps you to live comfortably and do the activities you enjoy.

Lung health is an important part of overall wellness. It’s best to prevent health issues before they start, and Wellstar experts will partner with you to personalize a plan to keep your lungs healthy. 

Book an appointment online to check in with a provider about your lung health and follow these tips to breathe a little easier.

Don’t smoke or vape

If you are a smoker, keep in mind that there are both short-term and long-term benefits to quitting. One to nine months after the last cigarette, your shortness of breath should decrease. Within 10 years of quitting, a former smoker's risk of developing lung cancer is 30% to 50% below that of a person who continues to smoke.

Also, if you don’t smoke, do not pick up the habit. Nicotine is highly addictive, even more so than many other drugs including narcotic opiates, according to Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Hitendra Patel.

Dr. Patel said that vaping is gaining popularity, especially among younger people. However, vaping irritates a person’s airways and increases their risk of asthma.

“Nothing but air should go in and out of the lungs,” Dr. Patel said. “Any other chemical or substance, or inhalation of smoke of any kind, is going to be detrimental and harmful.”

Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Jignesh Dholaria said misinformation about vaping is common.

“People have the notion that vaping is somehow safer and that it doesn’t have the same chemicals that cigarettes do,” Dr. Dholaria said. “We’re seeing a lot more harmful effects from vaping just because we don’t always know all the chemicals that are in these vapes. That has caused a lot more lung-related injuries.”

Get your exercise and sleep

While staying active is a critical component of overall wellness, it’s especially important to keep your lungs in top shape.

“As you’re breathing in and out, getting rid of carbon dioxide and inhaling more oxygen, that helps your tissues, which helps you feel better overall,” Dr. Dholaria said.

Even if it is raining — or if pollutants are especially high that day and you’re worried about lung irritation — there are ways to get your steps in. Dr. Patel recommends going to an air-conditioned shopping mall or store to get some exercise if being outside is not an option.

“Continuing to exercise to the fullest of your body’s ability is an important step of maintaining whatever lung health you have,” Dr. Patel said. “If you start with healthy lungs, staying on an exercise program and regimen is vital.”

Balance that exercise with some rest, too. Dr. Patel, who is also the medical director of Wellstar’s sleep program, said being well-rested can ward off sickness, including some respiratory illnesses.

“If you don’t sleep well, that means your immune system is not going to function as well as it should,” he said.

Try breathing exercises

In addition to getting your sleep, some relaxation and breathing techniques can have benefits for both mental wellness and lung health. 

Dr. Patel recommends “4-7-8 breathing,” which involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds and then exhaling for eight seconds.

Benefits of breathing exercises may include lower stress and anxiety levels, lower blood pressure and better sleep.

Manage your asthma

If you have asthma, know your lungs and avoid the environmental triggers that cause the condition to flare up, Dr. Patel said. Common triggers include pet dander, seasonal changes, allergens like perfume and smoke inhalation. 

Asthma can also run in families, although there is often no specific reason why a person develops asthma, Dr. Patel said.

“Sometimes people underestimate how bad asthma can be,” Dr. Patel said.

If you have asthma, see your primary care physician to monitor your lung health. Pulmonologists specialize in caring for people’s lungs, and they often collaborate with primary care providers to create personalized plans to manage their patients’ asthma.

Ask your provider about screenings

Early detection is key in cancer treatment, but many lung cancers present in later stages, Dr. Patel said.

“In that area in the middle of the lungs and the middle of the chest, there are no pain fibers or pain sensors in there,” Dr. Patel said. “If a tumor occurs there, patients don’t know it. They don’t feel it, and it doesn’t hurt them.”

Lung cancer is sometimes found when it spreads and causes complications, Dr. Patel said.

If you are at increased risk for developing lung cancer, ask your provider about screenings. You should consider screenings if you are a current or past smoker. Visit our lung cancer screening page to learn more about if screening, which involves low-dose CT scans, could benefit you. To keep up with your lung health, find a Wellstar physician near you.

Keep reading
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