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Patient Reviews
4
Excellent service
March 2, 2025
5
it was so nice to have a physician really talk with me
March 2, 2025
5
This is the best visit I've had at any Wellstar facility. Dr. Shani Clay, Roshonda and the rest of the staff are the BEST employees Wellstar has. The rest of Wellstar should follow their lead. Im going to send a letter to the local newspaper bragging about this facility and would love to get a message to the CEO of Wellstar. This office is by far the best Wellstar location!!!!
February 28, 2025
5
Dr shani Clay is a very informative doctor. She is also a very good listener
February 16, 2025
4
Staff is quite friendly. Reception is exceptionally professional. Dr. Clay was attentive this visit and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I didn't see the doctor until 8:45 am even though my appointment was at 8 am. Overall, it has been a good experience, but I don't have time to wait almost an hour after my appointment. I have a tight schedule. Thanks.
February 13, 2025
5
Every single person I had to talk to, from front desk, nurse, doctor and check out, was very courteous and kind. It made me feel comfortable being there, like I mattered, as it was my first time visiting a gastroenterologist office. You don't usually get great one on one attention from each staff member. This office knows how to treat their patients.
February 12, 2025
5
It was a very good experience. I felt that I was listened to, and I do appreciate that.
February 12, 2025
5
Yes, thank you. I had a good experience this time I went. Everybody was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and I appreciate it. Thank you.
February 13, 2025
5
The staff and the doctor was extremely helpful, nice, knowledgeable.
February 12, 2025
5
Dr. Shani W Clay is an outstanding doctor. Excellent staff at Wellstar Gastroenterology, Douglasville.
January 23, 2025
5
They did a great job
January 19, 2025
5
Every doctor I have seen so far in the Wellstar group has been great. Dr. Clay was present, attentive, answered my questions and even offered to see my son after I asked questions about him. I was very pleased with my first visit.
January 16, 2025
5
Good job. Keep up the great work.
January 10, 2025
5
Dr. Clay is outstanding in her patient interaction and her knowledge.
January 9, 2025
5
Great experience
January 9, 2025
5
The Entire Staff Treated Me With The Upmost Courtesy, and Respect. I can't Wait For My Next Visit.
November 22, 2024
5
I was extremely happy with how I was treated & listened to. I also appreciate that the office was POS friendly & that makes a huge impact.
November 14, 2024
3
Yes, I was completely happy with the response from the clinic. They were very nice. The doctors were very nice. The doctor was very nice. I was completely pleased, and I think they can solve my problem. I certainly hope so. But anyway, I look forward to getting the colonoscopy and getting this thing underway. Thank you so much. Bye-bye.
November 7, 2024
5
I am just very happy to see and hear people that really, truly do care about people....
November 3, 2024
5
The waiting room was nice. Front desk personnel was great. My wait time was good.
October 30, 2024
5
The staff was very efficient, very friendly, and Dr. Clay was extremely helpful. I will be back to see her in the future. Thank you.
October 23, 2024
5
I truly love the sincere kindness of Dr. Clay and nurse Ro-Ro! Bless these ladies!
October 17, 2024
5
Very professional and knowledgeable
October 4, 2024
5
I appreciate Dr. Clay for taking time to listen and address my concerns. She and the staff were very welcoming, friendly and professional.
October 4, 2024
2
Dr. Clay rushed through my visit and openly displayed through her expressions, tone, and actions during our conversation that she did not want to be there in that moment. As a patient that is paying for service from a provider, I would like to feel heard and the doctor did not provide that level of service. The front desk staff and medical assistant were phenomenal but the experience with the doctor has completely turned me off from wanting to return to this office.
October 4, 2024
2
I really appreciate that the way they respond to me with my provider is real interesting. They are so nice out there. I don't have no complaint about them. They take their time to talk to me and they listen to me, so I really appreciate that. Okay? So that's my feedback. So that's it.
September 29, 2024
5
Great
September 27, 2024
5
People were professional and courteous.
September 15, 2024
5
The entire staff was very tentative, which is rare now days . I Appreciate the entire staff courtesy
September 13, 2024
5
A great experience!
September 8, 2024
5
it was so nice to have a physician really talk with me
March 2, 2025
5
This is the best visit I've had at any Wellstar facility. Dr. Shani Clay, Roshonda and the rest of the staff are the BEST employees Wellstar has. The rest of Wellstar should follow their lead. Im going to send a letter to the local newspaper bragging about this facility and would love to get a message to the CEO of Wellstar. This office is by far the best Wellstar location!!!!
February 28, 2025
5
Dr shani Clay is a very informative doctor. She is also a very good listener
February 16, 2025
5
Every single person I had to talk to, from front desk, nurse, doctor and check out, was very courteous and kind. It made me feel comfortable being there, like I mattered, as it was my first time visiting a gastroenterologist office. You don't usually get great one on one attention from each staff member. This office knows how to treat their patients.
February 12, 2025
5
It was a very good experience. I felt that I was listened to, and I do appreciate that.
February 12, 2025
5
Yes, thank you. I had a good experience this time I went. Everybody was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and I appreciate it. Thank you.
February 13, 2025
5
The staff and the doctor was extremely helpful, nice, knowledgeable.
February 12, 2025
5
Dr. Shani W Clay is an outstanding doctor. Excellent staff at Wellstar Gastroenterology, Douglasville.
January 23, 2025
5
They did a great job
January 19, 2025
5
Every doctor I have seen so far in the Wellstar group has been great. Dr. Clay was present, attentive, answered my questions and even offered to see my son after I asked questions about him. I was very pleased with my first visit.
January 16, 2025
5
Good job. Keep up the great work.
January 10, 2025
5
Dr. Clay is outstanding in her patient interaction and her knowledge.
January 9, 2025
5
Great experience
January 9, 2025
5
The Entire Staff Treated Me With The Upmost Courtesy, and Respect. I can't Wait For My Next Visit.
November 22, 2024
5
I was extremely happy with how I was treated & listened to. I also appreciate that the office was POS friendly & that makes a huge impact.
November 14, 2024
5
I am just very happy to see and hear people that really, truly do care about people....
November 3, 2024
5
The waiting room was nice. Front desk personnel was great. My wait time was good.
October 30, 2024
5
The staff was very efficient, very friendly, and Dr. Clay was extremely helpful. I will be back to see her in the future. Thank you.
October 23, 2024
5
I truly love the sincere kindness of Dr. Clay and nurse Ro-Ro! Bless these ladies!
October 17, 2024
5
Very professional and knowledgeable
October 4, 2024
5
I appreciate Dr. Clay for taking time to listen and address my concerns. She and the staff were very welcoming, friendly and professional.
October 4, 2024
5
Great
September 27, 2024
5
People were professional and courteous.
September 15, 2024
5
The entire staff was very tentative, which is rare now days . I Appreciate the entire staff courtesy
September 13, 2024
5
A great experience!
September 8, 2024
4
Excellent service
March 2, 2025
4
Staff is quite friendly. Reception is exceptionally professional. Dr. Clay was attentive this visit and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I didn't see the doctor until 8:45 am even though my appointment was at 8 am. Overall, it has been a good experience, but I don't have time to wait almost an hour after my appointment. I have a tight schedule. Thanks.
February 13, 2025
3
Yes, I was completely happy with the response from the clinic. They were very nice. The doctors were very nice. The doctor was very nice. I was completely pleased, and I think they can solve my problem. I certainly hope so. But anyway, I look forward to getting the colonoscopy and getting this thing underway. Thank you so much. Bye-bye.
November 7, 2024
2
Dr. Clay rushed through my visit and openly displayed through her expressions, tone, and actions during our conversation that she did not want to be there in that moment. As a patient that is paying for service from a provider, I would like to feel heard and the doctor did not provide that level of service. The front desk staff and medical assistant were phenomenal but the experience with the doctor has completely turned me off from wanting to return to this office.
October 4, 2024
2
I really appreciate that the way they respond to me with my provider is real interesting. They are so nice out there. I don't have no complaint about them. They take their time to talk to me and they listen to me, so I really appreciate that. Okay? So that's my feedback. So that's it.
September 29, 2024
2
Dr. Clay rushed through my visit and openly displayed through her expressions, tone, and actions during our conversation that she did not want to be there in that moment. As a patient that is paying for service from a provider, I would like to feel heard and the doctor did not provide that level of service. The front desk staff and medical assistant were phenomenal but the experience with the doctor has completely turned me off from wanting to return to this office.
October 4, 2024
2
I really appreciate that the way they respond to me with my provider is real interesting. They are so nice out there. I don't have no complaint about them. They take their time to talk to me and they listen to me, so I really appreciate that. Okay? So that's my feedback. So that's it.
September 29, 2024
3
Yes, I was completely happy with the response from the clinic. They were very nice. The doctors were very nice. The doctor was very nice. I was completely pleased, and I think they can solve my problem. I certainly hope so. But anyway, I look forward to getting the colonoscopy and getting this thing underway. Thank you so much. Bye-bye.
November 7, 2024
4
Excellent service
March 2, 2025
4
Staff is quite friendly. Reception is exceptionally professional. Dr. Clay was attentive this visit and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I didn't see the doctor until 8:45 am even though my appointment was at 8 am. Overall, it has been a good experience, but I don't have time to wait almost an hour after my appointment. I have a tight schedule. Thanks.
February 13, 2025
5
it was so nice to have a physician really talk with me
March 2, 2025
5
This is the best visit I've had at any Wellstar facility. Dr. Shani Clay, Roshonda and the rest of the staff are the BEST employees Wellstar has. The rest of Wellstar should follow their lead. Im going to send a letter to the local newspaper bragging about this facility and would love to get a message to the CEO of Wellstar. This office is by far the best Wellstar location!!!!
February 28, 2025
5
Dr shani Clay is a very informative doctor. She is also a very good listener
February 16, 2025
5
Every single person I had to talk to, from front desk, nurse, doctor and check out, was very courteous and kind. It made me feel comfortable being there, like I mattered, as it was my first time visiting a gastroenterologist office. You don't usually get great one on one attention from each staff member. This office knows how to treat their patients.
February 12, 2025
5
It was a very good experience. I felt that I was listened to, and I do appreciate that.
February 12, 2025
5
Yes, thank you. I had a good experience this time I went. Everybody was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and I appreciate it. Thank you.
February 13, 2025
5
The staff and the doctor was extremely helpful, nice, knowledgeable.
February 12, 2025
5
Dr. Shani W Clay is an outstanding doctor. Excellent staff at Wellstar Gastroenterology, Douglasville.
January 23, 2025
5
They did a great job
January 19, 2025
5
Every doctor I have seen so far in the Wellstar group has been great. Dr. Clay was present, attentive, answered my questions and even offered to see my son after I asked questions about him. I was very pleased with my first visit.
January 16, 2025
5
Good job. Keep up the great work.
January 10, 2025
5
Dr. Clay is outstanding in her patient interaction and her knowledge.
January 9, 2025
5
Great experience
January 9, 2025
5
The Entire Staff Treated Me With The Upmost Courtesy, and Respect. I can't Wait For My Next Visit.
November 22, 2024
5
I was extremely happy with how I was treated & listened to. I also appreciate that the office was POS friendly & that makes a huge impact.
November 14, 2024
5
I am just very happy to see and hear people that really, truly do care about people....
November 3, 2024
5
The waiting room was nice. Front desk personnel was great. My wait time was good.
October 30, 2024
5
The staff was very efficient, very friendly, and Dr. Clay was extremely helpful. I will be back to see her in the future. Thank you.
October 23, 2024
5
I truly love the sincere kindness of Dr. Clay and nurse Ro-Ro! Bless these ladies!
October 17, 2024
5
Very professional and knowledgeable
October 4, 2024
5
I appreciate Dr. Clay for taking time to listen and address my concerns. She and the staff were very welcoming, friendly and professional.
October 4, 2024
5
Great
September 27, 2024
5
People were professional and courteous.
September 15, 2024
5
The entire staff was very tentative, which is rare now days . I Appreciate the entire staff courtesy
September 13, 2024
5
A great experience!
September 8, 2024
4
Excellent service
March 2, 2025
5
it was so nice to have a physician really talk with me
March 2, 2025
5
This is the best visit I've had at any Wellstar facility. Dr. Shani Clay, Roshonda and the rest of the staff are the BEST employees Wellstar has. The rest of Wellstar should follow their lead. Im going to send a letter to the local newspaper bragging about this facility and would love to get a message to the CEO of Wellstar. This office is by far the best Wellstar location!!!!
February 28, 2025
5
Dr shani Clay is a very informative doctor. She is also a very good listener
February 16, 2025
5
Yes, thank you. I had a good experience this time I went. Everybody was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and I appreciate it. Thank you.
February 13, 2025
4
Staff is quite friendly. Reception is exceptionally professional. Dr. Clay was attentive this visit and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I didn't see the doctor until 8:45 am even though my appointment was at 8 am. Overall, it has been a good experience, but I don't have time to wait almost an hour after my appointment. I have a tight schedule. Thanks.
February 13, 2025
5
The staff and the doctor was extremely helpful, nice, knowledgeable.
February 12, 2025
5
Every single person I had to talk to, from front desk, nurse, doctor and check out, was very courteous and kind. It made me feel comfortable being there, like I mattered, as it was my first time visiting a gastroenterologist office. You don't usually get great one on one attention from each staff member. This office knows how to treat their patients.
February 12, 2025
5
It was a very good experience. I felt that I was listened to, and I do appreciate that.
February 12, 2025
5
Dr. Shani W Clay is an outstanding doctor. Excellent staff at Wellstar Gastroenterology, Douglasville.
January 23, 2025
5
They did a great job
January 19, 2025
5
Every doctor I have seen so far in the Wellstar group has been great. Dr. Clay was present, attentive, answered my questions and even offered to see my son after I asked questions about him. I was very pleased with my first visit.
January 16, 2025
5
Good job. Keep up the great work.
January 10, 2025
5
Dr. Clay is outstanding in her patient interaction and her knowledge.
January 9, 2025
5
Great experience
January 9, 2025
5
The Entire Staff Treated Me With The Upmost Courtesy, and Respect. I can't Wait For My Next Visit.
November 22, 2024
5
I was extremely happy with how I was treated & listened to. I also appreciate that the office was POS friendly & that makes a huge impact.
November 14, 2024
3
Yes, I was completely happy with the response from the clinic. They were very nice. The doctors were very nice. The doctor was very nice. I was completely pleased, and I think they can solve my problem. I certainly hope so. But anyway, I look forward to getting the colonoscopy and getting this thing underway. Thank you so much. Bye-bye.
November 7, 2024
5
I am just very happy to see and hear people that really, truly do care about people....
November 3, 2024
5
The waiting room was nice. Front desk personnel was great. My wait time was good.
October 30, 2024
5
The staff was very efficient, very friendly, and Dr. Clay was extremely helpful. I will be back to see her in the future. Thank you.
October 23, 2024
5
I truly love the sincere kindness of Dr. Clay and nurse Ro-Ro! Bless these ladies!
October 17, 2024
5
I appreciate Dr. Clay for taking time to listen and address my concerns. She and the staff were very welcoming, friendly and professional.
October 4, 2024
5
Very professional and knowledgeable
October 4, 2024
2
Dr. Clay rushed through my visit and openly displayed through her expressions, tone, and actions during our conversation that she did not want to be there in that moment. As a patient that is paying for service from a provider, I would like to feel heard and the doctor did not provide that level of service. The front desk staff and medical assistant were phenomenal but the experience with the doctor has completely turned me off from wanting to return to this office.
October 4, 2024
2
I really appreciate that the way they respond to me with my provider is real interesting. They are so nice out there. I don't have no complaint about them. They take their time to talk to me and they listen to me, so I really appreciate that. Okay? So that's my feedback. So that's it.
September 29, 2024
5
Great
September 27, 2024
5
People were professional and courteous.
September 15, 2024
5
The entire staff was very tentative, which is rare now days . I Appreciate the entire staff courtesy
September 13, 2024
5
A great experience!
September 8, 2024
5
A great experience!
September 8, 2024
5
The entire staff was very tentative, which is rare now days . I Appreciate the entire staff courtesy
September 13, 2024
5
People were professional and courteous.
September 15, 2024
5
Great
September 27, 2024
2
I really appreciate that the way they respond to me with my provider is real interesting. They are so nice out there. I don't have no complaint about them. They take their time to talk to me and they listen to me, so I really appreciate that. Okay? So that's my feedback. So that's it.
September 29, 2024
2
Dr. Clay rushed through my visit and openly displayed through her expressions, tone, and actions during our conversation that she did not want to be there in that moment. As a patient that is paying for service from a provider, I would like to feel heard and the doctor did not provide that level of service. The front desk staff and medical assistant were phenomenal but the experience with the doctor has completely turned me off from wanting to return to this office.
October 4, 2024
5
Very professional and knowledgeable
October 4, 2024
5
I appreciate Dr. Clay for taking time to listen and address my concerns. She and the staff were very welcoming, friendly and professional.
October 4, 2024
5
I truly love the sincere kindness of Dr. Clay and nurse Ro-Ro! Bless these ladies!
October 17, 2024
5
The staff was very efficient, very friendly, and Dr. Clay was extremely helpful. I will be back to see her in the future. Thank you.
October 23, 2024
5
The waiting room was nice. Front desk personnel was great. My wait time was good.
October 30, 2024
5
I am just very happy to see and hear people that really, truly do care about people....
November 3, 2024
3
Yes, I was completely happy with the response from the clinic. They were very nice. The doctors were very nice. The doctor was very nice. I was completely pleased, and I think they can solve my problem. I certainly hope so. But anyway, I look forward to getting the colonoscopy and getting this thing underway. Thank you so much. Bye-bye.
November 7, 2024
5
I was extremely happy with how I was treated & listened to. I also appreciate that the office was POS friendly & that makes a huge impact.
November 14, 2024
5
The Entire Staff Treated Me With The Upmost Courtesy, and Respect. I can't Wait For My Next Visit.
November 22, 2024
5
Great experience
January 9, 2025
5
Dr. Clay is outstanding in her patient interaction and her knowledge.
January 9, 2025
5
Good job. Keep up the great work.
January 10, 2025
5
Every doctor I have seen so far in the Wellstar group has been great. Dr. Clay was present, attentive, answered my questions and even offered to see my son after I asked questions about him. I was very pleased with my first visit.
January 16, 2025
5
They did a great job
January 19, 2025
5
Dr. Shani W Clay is an outstanding doctor. Excellent staff at Wellstar Gastroenterology, Douglasville.
January 23, 2025
5
It was a very good experience. I felt that I was listened to, and I do appreciate that.
February 12, 2025
5
Every single person I had to talk to, from front desk, nurse, doctor and check out, was very courteous and kind. It made me feel comfortable being there, like I mattered, as it was my first time visiting a gastroenterologist office. You don't usually get great one on one attention from each staff member. This office knows how to treat their patients.
February 12, 2025
5
The staff and the doctor was extremely helpful, nice, knowledgeable.
February 12, 2025
4
Staff is quite friendly. Reception is exceptionally professional. Dr. Clay was attentive this visit and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I didn't see the doctor until 8:45 am even though my appointment was at 8 am. Overall, it has been a good experience, but I don't have time to wait almost an hour after my appointment. I have a tight schedule. Thanks.
February 13, 2025
5
Yes, thank you. I had a good experience this time I went. Everybody was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and I appreciate it. Thank you.
February 13, 2025
5
Dr shani Clay is a very informative doctor. She is also a very good listener
February 16, 2025
5
This is the best visit I've had at any Wellstar facility. Dr. Shani Clay, Roshonda and the rest of the staff are the BEST employees Wellstar has. The rest of Wellstar should follow their lead. Im going to send a letter to the local newspaper bragging about this facility and would love to get a message to the CEO of Wellstar. This office is by far the best Wellstar location!!!!
February 28, 2025
5
it was so nice to have a physician really talk with me
March 2, 2025
4
Excellent service
March 2, 2025
Publications and Articles
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!
Let’s Get to the Bottom of Your Colonoscopy Questions
In people under 50, colorectal cancer is now the number one cancer-related killer of men and the number two killer of women. Black communities are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it. But this doesn’t have to be the case—colorectal cancer is preventable. When people have a screening colonoscopy, doctors can remove pre-cancerous polyps, stopping them from ever becoming cancer.
Colonoscopies are now recommended starting at age 45 for the general population, and younger for people at higher risk or with a family history. But you have questions:
I’m above average healthy—do I really need a colonoscopy?
How do I know my risk level?
Will the procedure be painful?
How much time should I take off of work?
A panel of gastrointestinal health experts and a patient answer your questions and more here.
Who needs a colonoscopy
I eat well, exercise and am in good general health. Do I really need to go through the hassle of a screening colonoscopy?
Dr. Shani Clay, gastroenterologist: Unfortunately, we discover colon cancer in quite healthy individuals. While it is true that smoking and consumption of red meat increases your risk, we also see colorectal cancer in patients who follow very healthy diets and exercise regularly, hence the need for all people to get screened for colon cancer.
Samantha McInturff, colon cancer survivor: The screening age used to be 50 before they changed it to 45, so I had never had a screening. I was 48 when I had symptoms that led to a colonoscopy and I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I am a rule follower. I always get my mammograms. I never smoked. I have no family history. I thought, ‘How can I have cancer?’ What I’ve been through really highlights the importance of screening early. Don’t be scared. Getting screened for colon cancer is a small inconvenience that’s completely worth it.
When should I start having colon cancer screenings and how often will I need to have one?
Dr. Clay: For people at average risk, meaning people with no alarm symptoms and no family history of colon cancer, screening begins at age 45.
How frequently you should have a colonoscopy depends on a few things, including family history, the number and type of polyps that are found during your colonoscopy and how clean the colon is at the time of the procedure. Repeat procedures can be anywhere from six months up to 10 years, depending on the results.
Colon cancer is in my family. When should I start screening?
Dr. Sahir Shroff, surgical oncologist: We’re seeing more and more young patients with colon cancer. If a patient has a strong family history, the screening should start sooner than 45 years of age. For example, if your parent died of colon cancer, you should begin colonoscopies at the age of 30. It depends on the risk factor. Talk to your primary care doctor about your personal risk level.
Dr. Clay: If you have high-risk factors, you should be screened earlier. For example, if a person has a first-degree relative with colon cancer who was diagnosed at less than 60 years of age, that individual should get a screening colonoscopy at either 40 years of age or 10 years younger than the age at the relative’s diagnosis. Additionally, there are certain genetic syndromes that also warrant earlier colon cancer screening with a colonoscopy at less than 45 years of age. Wellstar has a Genetic Risk Assessment Program for people with hereditary risk factors or a family history of cancer.
Should I see a doctor if my stool looks different than before?
Nancy Page, oncology nurse navigator: If you’re having changes in your bowel habits like blood in or on your stool or black stool, you need to let your doctor know soon. Consistent changes like constipation, diarrhea and, it may sound gross, but skinny stools that look like a pencil for a few weeks or more are signs to talk to your doctor. Other changes to be aware of are unexplained weight loss, unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain and even anemia. Don’t put it off. Don’t think, ‘I work a lot. I have kids. I’m busy.’ Let your doctor know now. If it’s colon cancer and it’s diagnosed early, there’s a 90% cure rate.
What to Know When You Are Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer
More young adults—people in their 30s and 40s—are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“I was in absolute shock,” said Samantha McInturff, a mother of two school-age children when she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 48. “I was stunned. I probably didn’t ask enough questions.”
Like Samantha, patients don’t always think to ask questions on the spot. But questions come up once they’ve had a little time to process the news. That’s why we brought together a panel of gastrointestinal health experts and a colon cancer survivor to answer the questions you may have here.
Colorectal cancer staging
What stage is my cancer and how will that affect my treatment plan?
Dr. Sahir Shroff, surgical oncologist: The staging of the cancer is a way to evaluate if the cancer is localized or if it has spread. It involves multiple imaging studies and blood tests.
For colon cancer, we mostly use CT scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast. Sometimes we do a PET scan. CT scan results typically are in within a week of having the scan. For rectal cancer, the staging is a little more involved. We also do an MRI of the rectum itself to delineate the exact location and relationship of the tumor with related structures in the pelvis. Clear identification really helps us evaluate the best treatment for each patient.
The other part of staging is looking for a tumor biomarker called carcinoembryonic antigen—or CEA—a protein in the blood. Patients excrete excess amounts of CEA if they have colorectal cancer. Checking the CEA throughout treatment is a benchmark to see if the treatments are working. We typically have bloodwork results within a few hours.
If a patient has surgery, we send tissue removed during the operation to be analyzed and tell us a more accurate stage to determine the next phase of treatment.
Colorectal cancer treatment
What are my treatment options?
Dr. Shroff: Treatment of colorectal cancer is an evolving field. There have been so many changes around the most effective combinations of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cancer surgery and radiation oncology. Recently, a non-operative treatment option has become available for patients with an excellent response to chemotherapy.
At Wellstar, we give patients access to the most comprehensive care for colorectal cancer, which includes genetic testing, clinical trials and the highest level of complex surgical procedures. Our specialists work collaboratively and follow the latest evidence-based practices. Everything we do is geared toward giving patients the most personalized care.
The types of treatment and the order of the different treatments vary depending on the type of cancer—rectal cancer or colon cancer—and personal factors such as the stage and location of the cancer.
Dr. Shani Clay, gastroenterologist: Patients can bring their family members in to accompany them at the time of their visits so that everyone has a good understanding of the treatment plan.
Nancy Page, RN, oncology nurse navigator: We have national accreditation for rectal cancer, which is huge for patients. Through our rectal tumor board, they’re getting expert, evidence-based care for rectal cancer and state-of-the-art treatments.
Dr. Shroff: Yes, the NAPRC accreditation is excellent—it’s changed how we manage rectal cancer. Every patient is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team regardless of the stage. Decisions are made about treatment by a team of experts.
