All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
Everyone (doctor, staff, nurses, assistants) was very professional, courteous, friendly, and helpful. I rate them all as excellent. They made a potentially difficult experience very easy. As I was there for radiation, I mostly saw the radiation therapists so I need to specifically give them a shout out. They were really great. Always had a smile and looking out for me. They made this experience as good as it could possibly be. Each one was great! PS As I was there every weekday, I saw the parking garage attendants every day and they likewise were professional, courteous, and helpful. Again always a smile!
October 5, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and staff are the Best!
October 3, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and his staff are amazing
October 1, 2026
5
I have never met a staff at any doctor's office as friendly and welcoming as this one. Everyone is smiling and seems very happy to see me when I arrived and throughout each of my ten visits. This includes the ladies at the front counter, Tosha and Ryan, the technicians that provided the treatment, and Dr. Davies. Needless to say, they are constantly dealing with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, but every person in the practice seems to treat every patient with good cheer.
September 26, 2026
5
Dr. Davies really listens and seems to truly care about his patients. At least that is my experience.
September 25, 2026
5
The people at the check-in desk were very pleasant and helpful. The nurse that I was taken back to the examination room with was also very positive and helpful. And then Dr. Davies just does an excellent job of explaining everything. He's very concerned and really just an overall pleasant experience every time I've come to this facility and worked with Kennestone's cancer program here. Good job. Thank you.
September 20, 2026
5
Dr Davies and his staff did an excellent job!
September 18, 2026
5
I would like to find a GP that I trust as much as Dr Davies. He spent time to explain current conditions and what the future options are depending upon how my conditions progress ( or hopefully not).
September 12, 2026
5
I am forever grateful for the outstanding care and friendliness of the staff. I will highly recommend to friends and family and appreciate everything that was done for me, from start to finish. You guys were all excellent!
September 11, 2026
5
I have been going to radiation for for weeks now. Another four to go. I meet with Dr. Davies every Mon. The staff that greets me every morning is superb!!!! They are so kind and fun!! We do laugh! Dr. Davies is amazing and I adore him. He is calming, encouraging, fun and my idol. God blessed me with him to help me.
September 11, 2026
5
Always a positive experience. Everyone does a great job. I appreciate how kind and professional everyone is.
September 11, 2026
4
I'd like to thank the staff for their professionalism and their courteousness. Thank you.
September 10, 2026
5
Always a great experience. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. Dr. Davies and staff are the best. Fortunate to be able to utilize this cancer center.
September 6, 2026
5
This was a consultation visit, so a lot of information to absorb at one time. Am still processing this & as I come up with questions, the staff has been most helpful in answering them.
September 5, 2026
5
Excellent service.
September 2, 2026
5
great job
August 31, 2026
5
The highlight of the experience for me was Dr. Davies. In many respects, he put me at ease and provided the clarity I needed concerning my current health status. He also took the time to explain the options I had for treatment and what the next steps would be. At the end of my visit, I felt empowered and well informed. In my opinion, he has an excellent approach when it comes to explaining cancer treatment.
August 22, 2026
5
Most of the questions on this questionnaire do not pertain to my visit. It was a pointless questionnaire.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Davies is one of my best doctors. Have a lot of trust in him.
August 19, 2026
5
Thanks
August 18, 2026
5
The whole radiation experience and medical team could not have been better.
August 16, 2026
5
Everyone was so nice, Explained the procedure and answered my questions. So compassionate, which is very important to me when you are going through a serious illness.
August 16, 2026
5
Doctor did explain reason why he was so far behind, and it was not a problem for me. Doctor was very good and I enjoyed my visit.
August 15, 2026
5
My experience with the doctor and the nurses and the staff was absolutely incredible. I had the most amazing experience going in with such fear in my heart and I just felt so good when I left. The politeness, the sense of family, just the explanations, everything was covered so beautifully. I was just so impressed and I just have all the confidence in the world that this will turn out really good. I appreciate all of you. Thank you. Bye.
August 8, 2026
5
Everyone was courteous
August 9, 2026
5
I feel very confident with Dr Davies' care, and his staff are very helpful. I would recommend Dr Davies for radiation oncology treatments anytime.
August 8, 2026
5
Dr. Davies' staff, nurses, and himself provide the most professional, efficient, and diligent service I receive at WellSTAR and even other hospitals.
August 7, 2026
5
GREAT!
August 6, 2026
5
As expected, I received exemplary care. The staff is always been professional and courteous.
August 1, 2026
5
Appreciate the office staff and the radiation technicians that are assisting me with my radiation treatments. Everything goes smoothly and well. Thank you.
July 22, 2026
5
Everyone (doctor, staff, nurses, assistants) was very professional, courteous, friendly, and helpful. I rate them all as excellent. They made a potentially difficult experience very easy. As I was there for radiation, I mostly saw the radiation therapists so I need to specifically give them a shout out. They were really great. Always had a smile and looking out for me. They made this experience as good as it could possibly be. Each one was great! PS As I was there every weekday, I saw the parking garage attendants every day and they likewise were professional, courteous, and helpful. Again always a smile!
October 5, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and staff are the Best!
October 3, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and his staff are amazing
October 1, 2026
5
I have never met a staff at any doctor's office as friendly and welcoming as this one. Everyone is smiling and seems very happy to see me when I arrived and throughout each of my ten visits. This includes the ladies at the front counter, Tosha and Ryan, the technicians that provided the treatment, and Dr. Davies. Needless to say, they are constantly dealing with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, but every person in the practice seems to treat every patient with good cheer.
September 26, 2026
5
Dr. Davies really listens and seems to truly care about his patients. At least that is my experience.
September 25, 2026
5
The people at the check-in desk were very pleasant and helpful. The nurse that I was taken back to the examination room with was also very positive and helpful. And then Dr. Davies just does an excellent job of explaining everything. He's very concerned and really just an overall pleasant experience every time I've come to this facility and worked with Kennestone's cancer program here. Good job. Thank you.
September 20, 2026
5
Dr Davies and his staff did an excellent job!
September 18, 2026
5
I would like to find a GP that I trust as much as Dr Davies. He spent time to explain current conditions and what the future options are depending upon how my conditions progress ( or hopefully not).
September 12, 2026
5
I am forever grateful for the outstanding care and friendliness of the staff. I will highly recommend to friends and family and appreciate everything that was done for me, from start to finish. You guys were all excellent!
September 11, 2026
5
I have been going to radiation for for weeks now. Another four to go. I meet with Dr. Davies every Mon. The staff that greets me every morning is superb!!!! They are so kind and fun!! We do laugh! Dr. Davies is amazing and I adore him. He is calming, encouraging, fun and my idol. God blessed me with him to help me.
September 11, 2026
5
Always a positive experience. Everyone does a great job. I appreciate how kind and professional everyone is.
September 11, 2026
5
Always a great experience. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. Dr. Davies and staff are the best. Fortunate to be able to utilize this cancer center.
September 6, 2026
5
This was a consultation visit, so a lot of information to absorb at one time. Am still processing this & as I come up with questions, the staff has been most helpful in answering them.
September 5, 2026
5
Excellent service.
September 2, 2026
5
great job
August 31, 2026
5
The highlight of the experience for me was Dr. Davies. In many respects, he put me at ease and provided the clarity I needed concerning my current health status. He also took the time to explain the options I had for treatment and what the next steps would be. At the end of my visit, I felt empowered and well informed. In my opinion, he has an excellent approach when it comes to explaining cancer treatment.
August 22, 2026
5
Most of the questions on this questionnaire do not pertain to my visit. It was a pointless questionnaire.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Davies is one of my best doctors. Have a lot of trust in him.
August 19, 2026
5
Thanks
August 18, 2026
5
The whole radiation experience and medical team could not have been better.
August 16, 2026
5
Everyone was so nice, Explained the procedure and answered my questions. So compassionate, which is very important to me when you are going through a serious illness.
August 16, 2026
5
Doctor did explain reason why he was so far behind, and it was not a problem for me. Doctor was very good and I enjoyed my visit.
August 15, 2026
5
My experience with the doctor and the nurses and the staff was absolutely incredible. I had the most amazing experience going in with such fear in my heart and I just felt so good when I left. The politeness, the sense of family, just the explanations, everything was covered so beautifully. I was just so impressed and I just have all the confidence in the world that this will turn out really good. I appreciate all of you. Thank you. Bye.
August 8, 2026
5
Everyone was courteous
August 9, 2026
5
I feel very confident with Dr Davies' care, and his staff are very helpful. I would recommend Dr Davies for radiation oncology treatments anytime.
August 8, 2026
5
Dr. Davies' staff, nurses, and himself provide the most professional, efficient, and diligent service I receive at WellSTAR and even other hospitals.
August 7, 2026
5
GREAT!
August 6, 2026
5
As expected, I received exemplary care. The staff is always been professional and courteous.
August 1, 2026
5
Appreciate the office staff and the radiation technicians that are assisting me with my radiation treatments. Everything goes smoothly and well. Thank you.
July 22, 2026
4
I'd like to thank the staff for their professionalism and their courteousness. Thank you.
September 10, 2026
4
I'd like to thank the staff for their professionalism and their courteousness. Thank you.
September 10, 2026
5
Everyone (doctor, staff, nurses, assistants) was very professional, courteous, friendly, and helpful. I rate them all as excellent. They made a potentially difficult experience very easy. As I was there for radiation, I mostly saw the radiation therapists so I need to specifically give them a shout out. They were really great. Always had a smile and looking out for me. They made this experience as good as it could possibly be. Each one was great! PS As I was there every weekday, I saw the parking garage attendants every day and they likewise were professional, courteous, and helpful. Again always a smile!
October 5, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and staff are the Best!
October 3, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and his staff are amazing
October 1, 2026
5
I have never met a staff at any doctor's office as friendly and welcoming as this one. Everyone is smiling and seems very happy to see me when I arrived and throughout each of my ten visits. This includes the ladies at the front counter, Tosha and Ryan, the technicians that provided the treatment, and Dr. Davies. Needless to say, they are constantly dealing with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, but every person in the practice seems to treat every patient with good cheer.
September 26, 2026
5
Dr. Davies really listens and seems to truly care about his patients. At least that is my experience.
September 25, 2026
5
The people at the check-in desk were very pleasant and helpful. The nurse that I was taken back to the examination room with was also very positive and helpful. And then Dr. Davies just does an excellent job of explaining everything. He's very concerned and really just an overall pleasant experience every time I've come to this facility and worked with Kennestone's cancer program here. Good job. Thank you.
September 20, 2026
5
Dr Davies and his staff did an excellent job!
September 18, 2026
5
I would like to find a GP that I trust as much as Dr Davies. He spent time to explain current conditions and what the future options are depending upon how my conditions progress ( or hopefully not).
September 12, 2026
5
I am forever grateful for the outstanding care and friendliness of the staff. I will highly recommend to friends and family and appreciate everything that was done for me, from start to finish. You guys were all excellent!
September 11, 2026
5
I have been going to radiation for for weeks now. Another four to go. I meet with Dr. Davies every Mon. The staff that greets me every morning is superb!!!! They are so kind and fun!! We do laugh! Dr. Davies is amazing and I adore him. He is calming, encouraging, fun and my idol. God blessed me with him to help me.
September 11, 2026
5
Always a positive experience. Everyone does a great job. I appreciate how kind and professional everyone is.
September 11, 2026
5
Always a great experience. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. Dr. Davies and staff are the best. Fortunate to be able to utilize this cancer center.
September 6, 2026
5
This was a consultation visit, so a lot of information to absorb at one time. Am still processing this & as I come up with questions, the staff has been most helpful in answering them.
September 5, 2026
5
Excellent service.
September 2, 2026
5
great job
August 31, 2026
5
The highlight of the experience for me was Dr. Davies. In many respects, he put me at ease and provided the clarity I needed concerning my current health status. He also took the time to explain the options I had for treatment and what the next steps would be. At the end of my visit, I felt empowered and well informed. In my opinion, he has an excellent approach when it comes to explaining cancer treatment.
August 22, 2026
5
Most of the questions on this questionnaire do not pertain to my visit. It was a pointless questionnaire.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Davies is one of my best doctors. Have a lot of trust in him.
August 19, 2026
5
Thanks
August 18, 2026
5
The whole radiation experience and medical team could not have been better.
August 16, 2026
5
Everyone was so nice, Explained the procedure and answered my questions. So compassionate, which is very important to me when you are going through a serious illness.
August 16, 2026
5
Doctor did explain reason why he was so far behind, and it was not a problem for me. Doctor was very good and I enjoyed my visit.
August 15, 2026
5
My experience with the doctor and the nurses and the staff was absolutely incredible. I had the most amazing experience going in with such fear in my heart and I just felt so good when I left. The politeness, the sense of family, just the explanations, everything was covered so beautifully. I was just so impressed and I just have all the confidence in the world that this will turn out really good. I appreciate all of you. Thank you. Bye.
August 8, 2026
5
Everyone was courteous
August 9, 2026
5
I feel very confident with Dr Davies' care, and his staff are very helpful. I would recommend Dr Davies for radiation oncology treatments anytime.
August 8, 2026
5
Dr. Davies' staff, nurses, and himself provide the most professional, efficient, and diligent service I receive at WellSTAR and even other hospitals.
August 7, 2026
5
GREAT!
August 6, 2026
5
As expected, I received exemplary care. The staff is always been professional and courteous.
August 1, 2026
5
Appreciate the office staff and the radiation technicians that are assisting me with my radiation treatments. Everything goes smoothly and well. Thank you.
July 22, 2026
5
Everyone (doctor, staff, nurses, assistants) was very professional, courteous, friendly, and helpful. I rate them all as excellent. They made a potentially difficult experience very easy. As I was there for radiation, I mostly saw the radiation therapists so I need to specifically give them a shout out. They were really great. Always had a smile and looking out for me. They made this experience as good as it could possibly be. Each one was great! PS As I was there every weekday, I saw the parking garage attendants every day and they likewise were professional, courteous, and helpful. Again always a smile!
October 5, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and staff are the Best!
October 3, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and his staff are amazing
October 1, 2026
5
I have never met a staff at any doctor's office as friendly and welcoming as this one. Everyone is smiling and seems very happy to see me when I arrived and throughout each of my ten visits. This includes the ladies at the front counter, Tosha and Ryan, the technicians that provided the treatment, and Dr. Davies. Needless to say, they are constantly dealing with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, but every person in the practice seems to treat every patient with good cheer.
September 26, 2026
5
Dr. Davies really listens and seems to truly care about his patients. At least that is my experience.
September 25, 2026
5
The people at the check-in desk were very pleasant and helpful. The nurse that I was taken back to the examination room with was also very positive and helpful. And then Dr. Davies just does an excellent job of explaining everything. He's very concerned and really just an overall pleasant experience every time I've come to this facility and worked with Kennestone's cancer program here. Good job. Thank you.
September 20, 2026
5
Dr Davies and his staff did an excellent job!
September 18, 2026
5
I would like to find a GP that I trust as much as Dr Davies. He spent time to explain current conditions and what the future options are depending upon how my conditions progress ( or hopefully not).
September 12, 2026
5
I am forever grateful for the outstanding care and friendliness of the staff. I will highly recommend to friends and family and appreciate everything that was done for me, from start to finish. You guys were all excellent!
September 11, 2026
5
I have been going to radiation for for weeks now. Another four to go. I meet with Dr. Davies every Mon. The staff that greets me every morning is superb!!!! They are so kind and fun!! We do laugh! Dr. Davies is amazing and I adore him. He is calming, encouraging, fun and my idol. God blessed me with him to help me.
September 11, 2026
5
Always a positive experience. Everyone does a great job. I appreciate how kind and professional everyone is.
September 11, 2026
4
I'd like to thank the staff for their professionalism and their courteousness. Thank you.
September 10, 2026
5
Always a great experience. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. Dr. Davies and staff are the best. Fortunate to be able to utilize this cancer center.
September 6, 2026
5
This was a consultation visit, so a lot of information to absorb at one time. Am still processing this & as I come up with questions, the staff has been most helpful in answering them.
September 5, 2026
5
Excellent service.
September 2, 2026
5
great job
August 31, 2026
5
Most of the questions on this questionnaire do not pertain to my visit. It was a pointless questionnaire.
August 22, 2026
5
The highlight of the experience for me was Dr. Davies. In many respects, he put me at ease and provided the clarity I needed concerning my current health status. He also took the time to explain the options I had for treatment and what the next steps would be. At the end of my visit, I felt empowered and well informed. In my opinion, he has an excellent approach when it comes to explaining cancer treatment.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Davies is one of my best doctors. Have a lot of trust in him.
August 19, 2026
5
Thanks
August 18, 2026
5
The whole radiation experience and medical team could not have been better.
August 16, 2026
5
Everyone was so nice, Explained the procedure and answered my questions. So compassionate, which is very important to me when you are going through a serious illness.
August 16, 2026
5
Doctor did explain reason why he was so far behind, and it was not a problem for me. Doctor was very good and I enjoyed my visit.
August 15, 2026
5
Everyone was courteous
August 9, 2026
5
I feel very confident with Dr Davies' care, and his staff are very helpful. I would recommend Dr Davies for radiation oncology treatments anytime.
August 8, 2026
5
My experience with the doctor and the nurses and the staff was absolutely incredible. I had the most amazing experience going in with such fear in my heart and I just felt so good when I left. The politeness, the sense of family, just the explanations, everything was covered so beautifully. I was just so impressed and I just have all the confidence in the world that this will turn out really good. I appreciate all of you. Thank you. Bye.
August 8, 2026
5
Dr. Davies' staff, nurses, and himself provide the most professional, efficient, and diligent service I receive at WellSTAR and even other hospitals.
August 7, 2026
5
GREAT!
August 6, 2026
5
As expected, I received exemplary care. The staff is always been professional and courteous.
August 1, 2026
5
Appreciate the office staff and the radiation technicians that are assisting me with my radiation treatments. Everything goes smoothly and well. Thank you.
July 22, 2026
5
Appreciate the office staff and the radiation technicians that are assisting me with my radiation treatments. Everything goes smoothly and well. Thank you.
July 22, 2026
5
As expected, I received exemplary care. The staff is always been professional and courteous.
August 1, 2026
5
GREAT!
August 6, 2026
5
Dr. Davies' staff, nurses, and himself provide the most professional, efficient, and diligent service I receive at WellSTAR and even other hospitals.
August 7, 2026
5
My experience with the doctor and the nurses and the staff was absolutely incredible. I had the most amazing experience going in with such fear in my heart and I just felt so good when I left. The politeness, the sense of family, just the explanations, everything was covered so beautifully. I was just so impressed and I just have all the confidence in the world that this will turn out really good. I appreciate all of you. Thank you. Bye.
August 8, 2026
5
I feel very confident with Dr Davies' care, and his staff are very helpful. I would recommend Dr Davies for radiation oncology treatments anytime.
August 8, 2026
5
Everyone was courteous
August 9, 2026
5
Doctor did explain reason why he was so far behind, and it was not a problem for me. Doctor was very good and I enjoyed my visit.
August 15, 2026
5
Everyone was so nice, Explained the procedure and answered my questions. So compassionate, which is very important to me when you are going through a serious illness.
August 16, 2026
5
The whole radiation experience and medical team could not have been better.
August 16, 2026
5
Thanks
August 18, 2026
5
Dr. Davies is one of my best doctors. Have a lot of trust in him.
August 19, 2026
5
The highlight of the experience for me was Dr. Davies. In many respects, he put me at ease and provided the clarity I needed concerning my current health status. He also took the time to explain the options I had for treatment and what the next steps would be. At the end of my visit, I felt empowered and well informed. In my opinion, he has an excellent approach when it comes to explaining cancer treatment.
August 22, 2026
5
Most of the questions on this questionnaire do not pertain to my visit. It was a pointless questionnaire.
August 22, 2026
5
great job
August 31, 2026
5
Excellent service.
September 2, 2026
5
This was a consultation visit, so a lot of information to absorb at one time. Am still processing this & as I come up with questions, the staff has been most helpful in answering them.
September 5, 2026
5
Always a great experience. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. Dr. Davies and staff are the best. Fortunate to be able to utilize this cancer center.
September 6, 2026
4
I'd like to thank the staff for their professionalism and their courteousness. Thank you.
September 10, 2026
5
Always a positive experience. Everyone does a great job. I appreciate how kind and professional everyone is.
September 11, 2026
5
I am forever grateful for the outstanding care and friendliness of the staff. I will highly recommend to friends and family and appreciate everything that was done for me, from start to finish. You guys were all excellent!
September 11, 2026
5
I have been going to radiation for for weeks now. Another four to go. I meet with Dr. Davies every Mon. The staff that greets me every morning is superb!!!! They are so kind and fun!! We do laugh! Dr. Davies is amazing and I adore him. He is calming, encouraging, fun and my idol. God blessed me with him to help me.
September 11, 2026
5
I would like to find a GP that I trust as much as Dr Davies. He spent time to explain current conditions and what the future options are depending upon how my conditions progress ( or hopefully not).
September 12, 2026
5
Dr Davies and his staff did an excellent job!
September 18, 2026
5
The people at the check-in desk were very pleasant and helpful. The nurse that I was taken back to the examination room with was also very positive and helpful. And then Dr. Davies just does an excellent job of explaining everything. He's very concerned and really just an overall pleasant experience every time I've come to this facility and worked with Kennestone's cancer program here. Good job. Thank you.
September 20, 2026
5
Dr. Davies really listens and seems to truly care about his patients. At least that is my experience.
September 25, 2026
5
I have never met a staff at any doctor's office as friendly and welcoming as this one. Everyone is smiling and seems very happy to see me when I arrived and throughout each of my ten visits. This includes the ladies at the front counter, Tosha and Ryan, the technicians that provided the treatment, and Dr. Davies. Needless to say, they are constantly dealing with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, but every person in the practice seems to treat every patient with good cheer.
September 26, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and his staff are amazing
October 1, 2026
5
Dr. Davies and staff are the Best!
October 3, 2026
5
Everyone (doctor, staff, nurses, assistants) was very professional, courteous, friendly, and helpful. I rate them all as excellent. They made a potentially difficult experience very easy. As I was there for radiation, I mostly saw the radiation therapists so I need to specifically give them a shout out. They were really great. Always had a smile and looking out for me. They made this experience as good as it could possibly be. Each one was great! PS As I was there every weekday, I saw the parking garage attendants every day and they likewise were professional, courteous, and helpful. Again always a smile!
October 5, 2026
Publications and Articles
Wellstar PeopleCare | Beating Cancer Twice with Coordinated Care
David Butler’s cancer journey began when he underwent treatment for an aggressive head and neck cancer. Supported by his family, faith and a team of head and neck cancer specialists, he had part of his jaw removed and went through radiation therapy and intense rehabilitation.
A major setback
The same year of his jaw surgery and initial radiation course, David’s recovery was beginning to feel like “smooth sailing.” Just as life started to feel manageable again, he faced an unexpected challenge.
David and his wife, Jill, got devastating news: routine follow-up imaging revealed three new tumors on the other side of his neck and tongue. Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, David’s cancer surgeon, removed lymph nodes from David’s neck, had them biopsied and confirmed that it was an aggressive cancer.
At first, David felt so discouraged that he didn’t want to move forward with treatment.
However, seeing that a group of experts were working together to give him the best, evidence-based treatment path for his unique circumstance gave him confidence to renew his fight against cancer.
Wellstar PeopleCare | Moving Fast, Working Together: Advanced Head & Neck Cancer Surgery Keeps David Smiling
David Butler's cancer journey took him through a rare jaw reconstruction, radiation and coordinated care from specialists across Wellstar. His care team collaborated to provide what he needed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A bothersome mouth sore
Lean and energetic, David is quick with a joke and even quicker with a smile. A neatly trimmed mustache frames a grin that lights up his blue eyes, illuminating his trademark optimism and humor. They’re qualities he kept intact throughout cancer treatment and draws on today, when he encourages people who are newly diagnosed with cancer.
It started with a sore on his gum in the fall of 2023. He assumed it would heal on its own. Instead, it got worse. When he could hardly swallow a few months later, his dentist referred him to an oral surgeon for a biopsy. That’s when he got the life-changing news: it was cancer.
“You hear the big C and it scares you to death,” David said. “But there's light at the end of the tunnel. There's always hope.”
What followed was cancer treatment involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and support from a whole team of cancer specialists. Along the way, David said he leaned on his faith, the support of his wife, Jill, who he credits as his biggest advocate—and the expertise of Wellstar caregivers.
Quick history lesson: In the 1990s, U.S. doctors adopted the prostate-specific antigen test—or PSA—to identify prostate cancer early, when it’s more treatable. While the PSA helped more men get diagnosed, concern was raised over the risks versus benefits of biopsies, procedures and treatment. In response, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gave a controversial recommendation against routine screening with PSA in 2012.
But with new evidence from a variety of credible studies, they changed their recommendation in 2017. The current Task Force recommendation focuses on men having a conversation with their doctors about their risk for prostate cancer and the risks and benefits of screening.
Why did the guidelines change?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in males after skin cancer. The American Cancer Society projects that there will be more than twice as many prostate cancer cases diagnosed in men as lung cancer this year.
“The prevalence of the disease cannot be ignored,” said Dr. Jeffrey Tharp, a primary care physician and chief medicine division officer for Wellstar Medical Group. “Early-stage prostate cancer has higher survivability than prostate cancer diagnosed in later stages.”
Dr. Tharp pointed out that while guidelines have changed, so have the way doctors diagnose and treat prostate cancer. An elevated PSA does not automatically mean a cancer diagnosis. And when cancer is diagnosed, some care options have no side effects.
Read on to learn:
Who should have a conversation with their doctor about prostate cancer screening, and when
Who is at higher risk
How the reason that’s holding some men back has changed
What is a PSA and why having them at regular intervals is important
