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Expanded Services

Lab Services Imaging ENT Pulmonary Gastroenterology
Urology Physical Therapy Behavioral Health Pharmacies View All Medical Services

For Providers

Refer a Patient Transfer a Patient Physician Relations Wellstar Clinical Partners Provider Resources

Patient Portal

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Visiting

Visitation Guidelines Patient Guides Find My Way

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Accepted Insurance Pay Your Bill Financial Assistance

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https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1952628349&view=plain

Shani Clay, MD

Specialties

Gastroenterology

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Book with MyChart

Shani Clay, MD

Gastroenterologist with Wellstar since 2023.

Specialties

Gastroenterology

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Gastroenterologist with Wellstar since 2023
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly image of Shani Shani Clay, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

Specialties

  • Gastroenterology

Education & Training

  • University of Maryland School of Medicine

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

Fellowship

  • Emory University School of Medicine

Certifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine - GI

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar Douglas Hospital
  • Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
  • Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
  • Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
  • Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
  • Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital

Languages spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures

  • Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Series

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.8

Based on 247 patient ratings

I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

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 in the office was very nice, exceptional office staff.

October 14, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is so thorough, caring and professional. She addresses my questions and concerns in an understandable way.

October 10, 2026

5

Always knowable information provided and professional.

September 26, 2026

5

Everyone was very friendly and helpful and Dr. Clay was great

September 26, 2026

5

Very welcoming, punctual, professional, and thorough. I had a great experience!

September 25, 2026

5

Dr Clay was very professional n understanding with my concerns. She was very knowledgeable in GE. The staff was very welcoming n courteous.

September 21, 2026

5

She was very friendly and knowledgeable. Her plan for my health in the future are hopeful.

August 28, 2026

5

Clean

August 14, 2026

2

Nothing was done, another rx was given.

August 2, 2026

5

Excellent service provided both by the check/in, the nurse and the doctor. Will definitely be recommending to friends and family.

July 27, 2026

5

Dr Clay shared the urgency I felt regarding getting a diagnosis asap.

July 19, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very kind and professional. She makes you feel like she cares about you and what you're going through, not like you are just another patient, another number. She is consistent and follows up with anything that she said that she was going to do. And the rest of the staff is very kind and welcoming as well.

July 29, 2026

4

Waited to be seen 20 past appointment time to be seen.

July 11, 2026

3

My experience was good. I was very nervous, but the doctor reassured me. Everything was fine, everything was fine, thanks to God.

July 10, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was genuinely concerned and thorough.

July 9, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very attentive and by her knowledge, she has improved my health!

June 30, 2026

5

Very cordial

June 30, 2026

5

From beginning to end everyone was pleasant and knowledgeable. The Dr definitely knew what she was doing and I felt comfortable in her care.

June 28, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was amazing she listen to my concerns and answered my questions with kindness

June 27, 2026

5

This is my first time working with Dr. Clay, and I can't say enough good things about her! She was absolutely incredible, and so helpful! This is probably been one of my best provider encounters that I've had in quite a long time! As someone who works in patient as a registered nurse, it is always truly a pleasure to be able to work with people who truly care, which is exactly what Dr. Clay exhibits in her practice!

June 27, 2026

4

The practice was amazing. Very nice doctor, very well knowledgeable. I felt fully confident in using her and I will continue to use Dr. Clay or the group as my GI specialist. I felt very comfortable. I felt like I mattered.

June 26, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very professional, very heart warming, and very understanding. I love the assertiveness of her medical experience and knowledge. Not to aggressive but very intentional. I will be back and my high level of anxiety definitely decreased. Thank you for giving me her.

June 21, 2026

5

The timeliness of the service could be improved. I had to wait 30 minutes after my appointment to be seen. Other than that, the service was fine. Thank you.

June 12, 2026

5

Yes, everybody there was so professional and was able to provide good feedback and support. I really appreciate that and I highly recommend anybody to go there for treatment or a visit. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

I was very pleased with the doctor. She is very knowledgeable and she took the time to explain everything to me and I'm just grateful. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

I am grateful for the service that was provided. Thank you!

May 22, 2026

5

Love the place, clean, professional, polite, fast

May 22, 2026

5

Very kind

May 19, 2026

5

Wonderful staff. Dr Clay excellent for installing confidence in her care

May 19, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was awesome! She listened and took my concerns seriously. She recommended a different approach to treatment and looking forward to feeling better with her help. Excellent doctor!

May 18, 2026

5

Everyone in the office was very nice, exceptional office staff.

October 14, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is so thorough, caring and professional. She addresses my questions and concerns in an understandable way.

October 10, 2026

5

Always knowable information provided and professional.

September 26, 2026

5

Everyone was very friendly and helpful and Dr. Clay was great

September 26, 2026

5

Very welcoming, punctual, professional, and thorough. I had a great experience!

September 25, 2026

5

Dr Clay was very professional n understanding with my concerns. She was very knowledgeable in GE. The staff was very welcoming n courteous.

September 21, 2026

5

She was very friendly and knowledgeable. Her plan for my health in the future are hopeful.

August 28, 2026

5

Clean

August 14, 2026

5

Excellent service provided both by the check/in, the nurse and the doctor. Will definitely be recommending to friends and family.

July 27, 2026

5

Dr Clay shared the urgency I felt regarding getting a diagnosis asap.

July 19, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very kind and professional. She makes you feel like she cares about you and what you're going through, not like you are just another patient, another number. She is consistent and follows up with anything that she said that she was going to do. And the rest of the staff is very kind and welcoming as well.

July 29, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was genuinely concerned and thorough.

July 9, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very attentive and by her knowledge, she has improved my health!

June 30, 2026

5

Very cordial

June 30, 2026

5

From beginning to end everyone was pleasant and knowledgeable. The Dr definitely knew what she was doing and I felt comfortable in her care.

June 28, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was amazing she listen to my concerns and answered my questions with kindness

June 27, 2026

5

This is my first time working with Dr. Clay, and I can't say enough good things about her! She was absolutely incredible, and so helpful! This is probably been one of my best provider encounters that I've had in quite a long time! As someone who works in patient as a registered nurse, it is always truly a pleasure to be able to work with people who truly care, which is exactly what Dr. Clay exhibits in her practice!

June 27, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very professional, very heart warming, and very understanding. I love the assertiveness of her medical experience and knowledge. Not to aggressive but very intentional. I will be back and my high level of anxiety definitely decreased. Thank you for giving me her.

June 21, 2026

5

The timeliness of the service could be improved. I had to wait 30 minutes after my appointment to be seen. Other than that, the service was fine. Thank you.

June 12, 2026

5

Yes, everybody there was so professional and was able to provide good feedback and support. I really appreciate that and I highly recommend anybody to go there for treatment or a visit. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

I was very pleased with the doctor. She is very knowledgeable and she took the time to explain everything to me and I'm just grateful. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

I am grateful for the service that was provided. Thank you!

May 22, 2026

5

Love the place, clean, professional, polite, fast

May 22, 2026

5

Very kind

May 19, 2026

5

Wonderful staff. Dr Clay excellent for installing confidence in her care

May 19, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was awesome! She listened and took my concerns seriously. She recommended a different approach to treatment and looking forward to feeling better with her help. Excellent doctor!

May 18, 2026

4

Waited to be seen 20 past appointment time to be seen.

July 11, 2026

4

The practice was amazing. Very nice doctor, very well knowledgeable. I felt fully confident in using her and I will continue to use Dr. Clay or the group as my GI specialist. I felt very comfortable. I felt like I mattered.

June 26, 2026

3

My experience was good. I was very nervous, but the doctor reassured me. Everything was fine, everything was fine, thanks to God.

July 10, 2026

2

Nothing was done, another rx was given.

August 2, 2026

2

Nothing was done, another rx was given.

August 2, 2026

3

My experience was good. I was very nervous, but the doctor reassured me. Everything was fine, everything was fine, thanks to God.

July 10, 2026

4

Waited to be seen 20 past appointment time to be seen.

July 11, 2026

4

The practice was amazing. Very nice doctor, very well knowledgeable. I felt fully confident in using her and I will continue to use Dr. Clay or the group as my GI specialist. I felt very comfortable. I felt like I mattered.

June 26, 2026

5

Everyone in the office was very nice, exceptional office staff.

October 14, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is so thorough, caring and professional. She addresses my questions and concerns in an understandable way.

October 10, 2026

5

Always knowable information provided and professional.

September 26, 2026

5

Everyone was very friendly and helpful and Dr. Clay was great

September 26, 2026

5

Very welcoming, punctual, professional, and thorough. I had a great experience!

September 25, 2026

5

Dr Clay was very professional n understanding with my concerns. She was very knowledgeable in GE. The staff was very welcoming n courteous.

September 21, 2026

5

She was very friendly and knowledgeable. Her plan for my health in the future are hopeful.

August 28, 2026

5

Clean

August 14, 2026

5

Excellent service provided both by the check/in, the nurse and the doctor. Will definitely be recommending to friends and family.

July 27, 2026

5

Dr Clay shared the urgency I felt regarding getting a diagnosis asap.

July 19, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very kind and professional. She makes you feel like she cares about you and what you're going through, not like you are just another patient, another number. She is consistent and follows up with anything that she said that she was going to do. And the rest of the staff is very kind and welcoming as well.

July 29, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was genuinely concerned and thorough.

July 9, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very attentive and by her knowledge, she has improved my health!

June 30, 2026

5

Very cordial

June 30, 2026

5

From beginning to end everyone was pleasant and knowledgeable. The Dr definitely knew what she was doing and I felt comfortable in her care.

June 28, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was amazing she listen to my concerns and answered my questions with kindness

June 27, 2026

5

This is my first time working with Dr. Clay, and I can't say enough good things about her! She was absolutely incredible, and so helpful! This is probably been one of my best provider encounters that I've had in quite a long time! As someone who works in patient as a registered nurse, it is always truly a pleasure to be able to work with people who truly care, which is exactly what Dr. Clay exhibits in her practice!

June 27, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very professional, very heart warming, and very understanding. I love the assertiveness of her medical experience and knowledge. Not to aggressive but very intentional. I will be back and my high level of anxiety definitely decreased. Thank you for giving me her.

June 21, 2026

5

The timeliness of the service could be improved. I had to wait 30 minutes after my appointment to be seen. Other than that, the service was fine. Thank you.

June 12, 2026

5

Yes, everybody there was so professional and was able to provide good feedback and support. I really appreciate that and I highly recommend anybody to go there for treatment or a visit. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

I was very pleased with the doctor. She is very knowledgeable and she took the time to explain everything to me and I'm just grateful. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

I am grateful for the service that was provided. Thank you!

May 22, 2026

5

Love the place, clean, professional, polite, fast

May 22, 2026

5

Very kind

May 19, 2026

5

Wonderful staff. Dr Clay excellent for installing confidence in her care

May 19, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was awesome! She listened and took my concerns seriously. She recommended a different approach to treatment and looking forward to feeling better with her help. Excellent doctor!

May 18, 2026

5

Everyone in the office was very nice, exceptional office staff.

October 14, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is so thorough, caring and professional. She addresses my questions and concerns in an understandable way.

October 10, 2026

5

Always knowable information provided and professional.

September 26, 2026

5

Everyone was very friendly and helpful and Dr. Clay was great

September 26, 2026

5

Very welcoming, punctual, professional, and thorough. I had a great experience!

September 25, 2026

5

Dr Clay was very professional n understanding with my concerns. She was very knowledgeable in GE. The staff was very welcoming n courteous.

September 21, 2026

5

She was very friendly and knowledgeable. Her plan for my health in the future are hopeful.

August 28, 2026

5

Clean

August 14, 2026

2

Nothing was done, another rx was given.

August 2, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very kind and professional. She makes you feel like she cares about you and what you're going through, not like you are just another patient, another number. She is consistent and follows up with anything that she said that she was going to do. And the rest of the staff is very kind and welcoming as well.

July 29, 2026

5

Excellent service provided both by the check/in, the nurse and the doctor. Will definitely be recommending to friends and family.

July 27, 2026

5

Dr Clay shared the urgency I felt regarding getting a diagnosis asap.

July 19, 2026

4

Waited to be seen 20 past appointment time to be seen.

July 11, 2026

3

My experience was good. I was very nervous, but the doctor reassured me. Everything was fine, everything was fine, thanks to God.

July 10, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was genuinely concerned and thorough.

July 9, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very attentive and by her knowledge, she has improved my health!

June 30, 2026

5

Very cordial

June 30, 2026

5

From beginning to end everyone was pleasant and knowledgeable. The Dr definitely knew what she was doing and I felt comfortable in her care.

June 28, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was amazing she listen to my concerns and answered my questions with kindness

June 27, 2026

5

This is my first time working with Dr. Clay, and I can't say enough good things about her! She was absolutely incredible, and so helpful! This is probably been one of my best provider encounters that I've had in quite a long time! As someone who works in patient as a registered nurse, it is always truly a pleasure to be able to work with people who truly care, which is exactly what Dr. Clay exhibits in her practice!

June 27, 2026

4

The practice was amazing. Very nice doctor, very well knowledgeable. I felt fully confident in using her and I will continue to use Dr. Clay or the group as my GI specialist. I felt very comfortable. I felt like I mattered.

June 26, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very professional, very heart warming, and very understanding. I love the assertiveness of her medical experience and knowledge. Not to aggressive but very intentional. I will be back and my high level of anxiety definitely decreased. Thank you for giving me her.

June 21, 2026

5

The timeliness of the service could be improved. I had to wait 30 minutes after my appointment to be seen. Other than that, the service was fine. Thank you.

June 12, 2026

5

Yes, everybody there was so professional and was able to provide good feedback and support. I really appreciate that and I highly recommend anybody to go there for treatment or a visit. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

I was very pleased with the doctor. She is very knowledgeable and she took the time to explain everything to me and I'm just grateful. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

I am grateful for the service that was provided. Thank you!

May 22, 2026

5

Love the place, clean, professional, polite, fast

May 22, 2026

5

Very kind

May 19, 2026

5

Wonderful staff. Dr Clay excellent for installing confidence in her care

May 19, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was awesome! She listened and took my concerns seriously. She recommended a different approach to treatment and looking forward to feeling better with her help. Excellent doctor!

May 18, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was awesome! She listened and took my concerns seriously. She recommended a different approach to treatment and looking forward to feeling better with her help. Excellent doctor!

May 18, 2026

5

Very kind

May 19, 2026

5

Wonderful staff. Dr Clay excellent for installing confidence in her care

May 19, 2026

5

Love the place, clean, professional, polite, fast

May 22, 2026

5

I am grateful for the service that was provided. Thank you!

May 22, 2026

5

I was very pleased with the doctor. She is very knowledgeable and she took the time to explain everything to me and I'm just grateful. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

Yes, everybody there was so professional and was able to provide good feedback and support. I really appreciate that and I highly recommend anybody to go there for treatment or a visit. Thank you.

June 10, 2026

5

The timeliness of the service could be improved. I had to wait 30 minutes after my appointment to be seen. Other than that, the service was fine. Thank you.

June 12, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very professional, very heart warming, and very understanding. I love the assertiveness of her medical experience and knowledge. Not to aggressive but very intentional. I will be back and my high level of anxiety definitely decreased. Thank you for giving me her.

June 21, 2026

4

The practice was amazing. Very nice doctor, very well knowledgeable. I felt fully confident in using her and I will continue to use Dr. Clay or the group as my GI specialist. I felt very comfortable. I felt like I mattered.

June 26, 2026

5

This is my first time working with Dr. Clay, and I can't say enough good things about her! She was absolutely incredible, and so helpful! This is probably been one of my best provider encounters that I've had in quite a long time! As someone who works in patient as a registered nurse, it is always truly a pleasure to be able to work with people who truly care, which is exactly what Dr. Clay exhibits in her practice!

June 27, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was amazing she listen to my concerns and answered my questions with kindness

June 27, 2026

5

From beginning to end everyone was pleasant and knowledgeable. The Dr definitely knew what she was doing and I felt comfortable in her care.

June 28, 2026

5

Very cordial

June 30, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very attentive and by her knowledge, she has improved my health!

June 30, 2026

5

Dr. Clay was genuinely concerned and thorough.

July 9, 2026

3

My experience was good. I was very nervous, but the doctor reassured me. Everything was fine, everything was fine, thanks to God.

July 10, 2026

4

Waited to be seen 20 past appointment time to be seen.

July 11, 2026

5

Dr Clay shared the urgency I felt regarding getting a diagnosis asap.

July 19, 2026

5

Excellent service provided both by the check/in, the nurse and the doctor. Will definitely be recommending to friends and family.

July 27, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is very kind and professional. She makes you feel like she cares about you and what you're going through, not like you are just another patient, another number. She is consistent and follows up with anything that she said that she was going to do. And the rest of the staff is very kind and welcoming as well.

July 29, 2026

2

Nothing was done, another rx was given.

August 2, 2026

5

Clean

August 14, 2026

5

She was very friendly and knowledgeable. Her plan for my health in the future are hopeful.

August 28, 2026

5

Dr Clay was very professional n understanding with my concerns. She was very knowledgeable in GE. The staff was very welcoming n courteous.

September 21, 2026

5

Very welcoming, punctual, professional, and thorough. I had a great experience!

September 25, 2026

5

Everyone was very friendly and helpful and Dr. Clay was great

September 26, 2026

5

Always knowable information provided and professional.

September 26, 2026

5

Dr. Clay is so thorough, caring and professional. She addresses my questions and concerns in an understandable way.

October 10, 2026

5

Everyone in the office was very nice, exceptional office staff.

October 14, 2026

Publications and Articles

Group of people talking

Soul Support 2025: A Year of Healing, Hope & Community Impact

Faith communities and Wellstar Health System came together across Georgia with a shared mission: to strengthen mental health, build meaningful connections and bring healing spaces directly into our communities.

The 2025 Soul Support Impact Reports highlight incredible stories of empowerment, compassion and growth—made possible through collaboration, training and care.

What we achieved together

Across churches and faith centers—big and small—Soul Support helped communities access emotional wellness tools, support groups and life-changing conversations.

United Church in Atlanta

  • 78 touchpoints of support
  • Biweekly support groups focused on emotional expression
  • Safe spaces where participants learned to process even the toughest emotions
  • 39 volunteer hours fueling community care

Impact Church in Atlanta

  • 1,000+ touchpoints
  • 40 mental health events
  • Weekly support groups and Healing the Wounds of Trauma sessions
  • 20 community members trained in mental health first aid
  • 60+ engagement hours

Greater Young Zion Baptist Church in Augusta

  • 291 community touchpoints
  • Mental health awareness events drawing 150+ participants
  • Webinars, grief workshops and suicide prevention training
  • 40+ wellness kits distributed
  • 50+ event hours given back

The Gathering, International in Griffin

  • 756 touchpoints
  • Mental health support groups and pastoral counseling
  • 80% of participants reported helpful, life applicable insights
  • Powerful testimonies emphasizing belonging and finding strength in community

Seekers of His Face International Prayer Center in Augusta

  • 685 touchpoints
  • 224 mental health care kits distributed
  • Weekly support groups and wellness workshops
  • Youth and men’s mental health initiatives supporting 75+ individuals
  • 60 volunteer hours encouraging healing and growth

Why this work matters

Across every partner site, a message echoed loud and clear: Community heals. Connection transforms. Support saves lives.

Together, churches, clinicians, volunteers and community leaders created supportive environments where people felt seen, safe and understood. These spaces helped reduce stigma, elevate mental health literacy and offer practical tools for emotional wellness.

Thanking our partners

Pastors, administrators, coordinators and volunteers—from Atlanta to Griffin to Augusta—poured in time, compassion and leadership to make Soul Support a lifeline for many. Your dedication is transforming communities one conversation at a time.

Looking forward

As we continue this journey, we celebrate every person who showed up, spoke up or lifted someone up. The impact of Soul Support is more than numbers—it’s the lives changed through hope, faith and connection.Together, we are building mentally healthier, spiritually grounded and beautifully resilient communities.

Learn more about Wellstar’s community health programs.

Continue reading this article
Group of people eating

Make Colon Health Your Habit

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 colon 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 Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Cameron Body. “For an average risk person, screenings should begin at age 45.”

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

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

The death rate for colon cancer in older adults has been decreasing for the past several decades due to screenings, according to the American Cancer Society. Screenings can identify polyps before they become cancerous and can catch cancer earlier when it is more easily treatable. However, in people under 55, death rates from colon cancer have been increasing by about 1% per year since the mid-2000s.

Why colonoscopies work

During a colonoscopy, a Wellstar gastroenterologist will view the inside of 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.”

Polyps take about five to 15 years to evolve into an invasive cancer, according to Dr. Carmen Klass, oncologist and hematologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, a care partner of Wellstar.

“If you have a colonoscopy every five to 10 years, they can remove the polyp and it will never be declared an invasive cancer,” Dr. Klass said. “In fact, if all Americans did their screening colonoscopies every five to 10 years, the death rate for colorectal cancer would drop by 50%.”

See how colorectal cancer screening saves lives.

Signs of colorectal cancer

  • Colon cancer is typically discovered when a patient has a colonoscopy, but it’s important to watch for these warning signs:
  • A change in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
  • Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
  • Abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas and pain
  • Feeling like you are unable to empty your bowels completely
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

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

Colorectal cancer care at Wellstar

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

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

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

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

Learn how Wellstar cares for colorectal cancer.

Get answers with genetic testing

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

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

“Wellstar offers support from genetic counselors to help keep other family members safe in the future,” Dr. Klass said.

Find out if genetic testing is right for you.

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Feeling ‘Backed Up’? Your Care Team Can Help You Fix Constipation

Constipation can be defined as a change in frequency of stool, consistency of stool or both. Normal frequency of bowel movements is thought to be anywhere between three times a day to three times a week. Additionally, having very hard or pellet-like stools is an indication of constipation. 

Constipation can be caused by a variety of things, including dietary changes (like decreased water or fiber intake), thyroid issues, slow gut motility, electrolyte imbalances, medication changes and sometimes even more serious medical disorders such as cancer. 

“It is important to talk to your provider if you’re experiencing an issue with constipation,” said Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Shani Clay. “There are specific laboratory studies and even imaging that can be done to further evaluate abnormal stools. If you're noticing blood in your stool or unexplained weight loss, a colonoscopy may even be warranted to rule out a more serious condition.”

Wellstar gastroenterologists can help you determine the cause of your constipation.

If you are feeling a little “backed up,” there are also a few things you can do to help you have more regular bowel movements. Ensuring you are drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily helps to soften your stool so that it can pass more easily out of the colon. Further, it is important you follow a diet high in fiber. This includes eating things like raspberries, pears, apples with skin, green peas, broccoli, whole wheat spaghetti, oatmeal and black beans. If dietary changes do not work, there are a variety of both over-the-counter and prescribed medications that your provider may recommend to help get you going.

Constipation occurs quite frequently in the general population and may warrant further work-up. Increasing water intake and modifying your diet to include more fiber may help, but it is important that your symptoms are conveyed to your provider in case additional testing needs to be done. Staying regular helps you to feel better, both physically and mentally. Gut health is important, so make sure you are keeping it clean!

Learn more about how you can start healthy habits to benefit your digestive wellness.

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Shani Clay, MD
Gastroenterologist with Wellstar since 2023
Rating
4.8
Specialties
Gastroenterology
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Fellowship
Emory University School of Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine - GI
Spoken Languages
Spanish and English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/shani-clay-md

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Community Care
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ABOUT US

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CAREERS & EDUCATION

Careers at Wellstar Graduate Medical Education Pharmacy Residency

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