Skip Navigation
Book Now! Find care near you Find care near you Find care near you
wellstar-logo
Wellstar Go Back
Go to MyChart

Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
For Patients & Families For the Community For Providers About Us Careers
  • Start Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Our Services
  • Virtual Visits
  • Planning

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Hospital Payment Planning
  • Financial Assistance
  • Pricing Information
  • Before Your Visit

  • Sign Up for MyChart
  • Visitation Guidelines
  • While You're Here

  • Support & Entertainment
  • Join an Event
  • After Your Visit

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Get Medical Records
  • Contact us
  • COVID-19 Support

  • COVID-19 Information
  • Vaccines
  • Testing Information
  • Foundation Relief
  • Community Care

  • In the Community
  • Health Highlights
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Latest News
  • Center for Health Equity
  • Wellstar Find Help
  • Events & Programs

  • Events Calendar
  • On-Demand Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Give

  • Wellstar Foundation
  • Donate
  • Ways to Give
  • Thank a Caregiver
  • West Georgia
    Health Foundation
  • Volunteer

  • PeopleCare Advisory Council
  • For Adults
  • Care

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Cures Act
  • Refer a Patient
  • Lab Test Directory
  • Request to Conduct Research
  • Connect

  • Physician Relations
  • Request Imaging Services
  • Wellstar Clinical Partners
  • Wellstar Medical Group
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network
  • Medical Staff Services
  • Provider Recruitment
  • Log In

  • EpicCare Link
  • Lawson Connect
  • MyID Password Reset
  • Citrix Access
  • Leadership

  • Authority Board
  • Board Of Trustees
  • Foundation Board
  • Regional Health Boards
  • Executive Leadership
  • Awards, Recognition & Safety

  • Accreditation & Certifications
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Safety First Program
  • Nursing
  • Careers at Wellstar

  • Apply now
  • Upcoming virtual events
  • Why Wellstar?
  • Nursing Careers

  • Nursing (Direct Care)
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing (Non-bedside)
  • Nursing Support
  • Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

  • Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Homecare & Hospice
  • Physicians
  • Support Team Careers

  • Administrative & Clerical
  • Coding, Compliance & HIM Systems
  • Facility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food Services
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • For Patients & Families
  • For the Community
  • For Providers
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Search Search Search
  • MyChart MyChart MyChart

Start Your Care

Find a DoctorFind a LocationOur ServicesVirtual Visits

Planning

Accepted InsuranceHospital Payment PlanningFinancial AssistancePricing Information

Before Your Visit

Sign Up for MyChartVisitation Guidelines

While You're Here

Support & EntertainmentJoin an Event

After Your Visit

Pay Your BillGet Medical RecordsContact us

COVID-19 Support

COVID-19 InformationVaccinesTesting InformationFoundation Relief

Community Care

In the CommunityHealth HighlightsCommunity Health Needs AssessmentLatest NewsCenter for Health EquityWellstar Find Help

Events & Programs

Events CalendarOn-Demand ClassesSupport Groups

Give

Wellstar FoundationDonateWays to GiveThank a CaregiverWest Georgia
Health Foundation

Volunteer

PeopleCare Advisory CouncilFor Adults

Care

Transfer a PatientCures ActRefer a PatientLab Test DirectoryRequest to Conduct Research

Connect

Physician RelationsRequest Imaging ServicesWellstar Clinical PartnersWellstar Medical GroupMayo Clinic Care NetworkMedical Staff ServicesProvider Recruitment

Log In

EpicCare LinkLawson ConnectMyID Password ResetCitrix Access
About Wellstar

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

About Us

Leadership

Authority BoardBoard Of TrusteesFoundation BoardRegional Health BoardsExecutive Leadership

Awards, Recognition & Safety

Accreditation & CertificationsAwards & RecognitionSafety First ProgramNursing

Careers at Wellstar

Apply nowUpcoming virtual eventsWhy Wellstar?

Nursing Careers

Nursing (Direct Care)Nursing LeadershipNursing (Non-bedside)Nursing Support

Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)Allied Health ProfessionalsHomecare & HospicePhysicians

Support Team Careers

Administrative & ClericalCoding, Compliance & HIM SystemsFacility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food ServicesInformation Technology & Systems
Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
Close
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care
Close Close Close Book Now Menu
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care

Introducing

Wellstar Virtual Care

Access Wellstar healthcare providers
wherever you are.

Get started

Warning Warning Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

I Understand
https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1326003872&view=plain

Sujatha Hariharan, MD

Affiliate

Specialties

Hematology/Oncology
Medical Oncology
Hematology

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Sujatha Hariharan, MD

Hematologist/Oncologist affiliated with Wellstar since 2006.

Affiliate

Specialties

Hematology/Oncology
Medical Oncology
Hematology

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Hematologist/Oncologist affiliated with Wellstar since 2006
  • A friendly photo of Sujatha Hariharan, MD Sujatha Hariharan, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About Sujatha Hariharan, MD

Dr. Hariharan was born in Calcutta, India, but raised in Houston, Texas.  She attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

In August 1996, she began her studies in medicine at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies.  

In July 2000, she returned to the United States as an M.D. to complete her internship and residency in internal medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn.   Dr. Hariharan went on to complete her fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado in Aurora.

Upon completion of her fellowship in June 2006, Dr. Hariharan joined Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, P.C. in Austell where she currently evaluates and treats patients while actively participating in Clinical Trials and Research.  Dr. Hariharan has participated in numerous Clinical Trials; developing a strong interest in gastrointestinal malignancies.

Dr. Hariharan is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology.

Dr. Sujatha Hariharan explains how self-exams help women catch breast cancer early

Specialties

  • Hematology/Oncology
  • Medical Oncology
  • Hematology

Education & Training

  • St. George's University

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • Temple University Hospital

Fellowship

  • University of Colorado

Certifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine - Onc
  • American Board of Internal Medicine - Hem

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar Douglas Hospital
  • Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
  • Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
  • Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

Languages spoken

  • English

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.8

Based on 360 patient ratings

Treated me with courtesy and respect
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Earned my trust
Listened to me carefully
Explained things clearly
Shared the right amount of information
Shared easy to understand information

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

Dr.H has always been a knowledgeable and caring provider. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and gives you her feedback accordingly. Dr H played an integral part in saving my life!

May 2, 2025

5

Never had anyone hurt me drawing blood till now. Waiting quite a while on my shot it's in the chart I had seen it.. triage nurse

April 24, 2025

5

All staff members were very helpful. I felt very relaxed and had an overall excellent visit. My doctor is the best And informative.

April 18, 2025

5

Caring & Professional as well. I consider all of the Doctors & Staff to be friends, and I thank them all!

April 5, 2025

5

good to see someone new

April 5, 2025

5

I love the doctor because she listened at you!

April 3, 2025

5

Excellent physicians & staff

March 28, 2025

5

great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 17, 2025

2

I feel that many of the Wellstar doctors rush their appointments with their patients. He is a robotic, staged discourse. I do not feel true, interest or care with these doctors. Get them in and out as quickly as possible has been my experience with them all.

March 14, 2025

5

Very personable office staff. Always make me feel comfortable from the time I walk in, to the time I leave.

March 15, 2025

5

All of the staff and doctors were very friendly. They seem to want to make sure that I didn't have any issues and that I understand what my plan and test that were shown.

March 14, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful, thorough, very professional, and I just feel lucky that I found her. Thank you.

March 13, 2025

5

Love my dr and staff!

March 12, 2025

5

The entire staff is amazing!!! Dr.Hariharan is the best! I trust her with my life 100% Thank you for everything!

March 7, 2025

5

The entire staff are warm and caring, and the physicians are top notch!

March 9, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is very professional and cares about my health care

March 7, 2025

5

Great staff!!!

March 7, 2025

5

It was very good.

March 6, 2025

5

Good

March 5, 2025

5

Doctor H is the best ; i have truly been blessed by having her as my Doctor

March 1, 2025

4

I would like more information on chemotherapy, which I have chosen, and the side effects, and the availability of medications to alleviate the side effects.

March 1, 2025

5

Always a pleasure visiting with Dr. Sujatha Hariharan. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

February 16, 2025

5

All members of this facility who I encountered, from the reception area when I entered the office, the nurse aides who measured my weight & BP and collected blood samples to Dr. Hariharan were cordial, professional and had a demeanor that inspired confidence that I was receiving the most excellent care available!

February 15, 2025

5

Just an overall great experience as always with Dr. Hariharan and staff.

February 14, 2025

5

Everyone was polite, friendly, & efficient. Very professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful! She is very engaged with her patients and has thorough knowledge of their history. She always makes me feel better just by being around her.

February 12, 2025

5

I have been with this provider for over six years and have received excellent care.

February 10, 2025

5

Great experience!

February 8, 2025

5

The office staff is professional, efficient and caring!

February 6, 2025

5

The entire office were very professional and friendly

January 24, 2025

5

Dr.H has always been a knowledgeable and caring provider. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and gives you her feedback accordingly. Dr H played an integral part in saving my life!

May 2, 2025

5

Never had anyone hurt me drawing blood till now. Waiting quite a while on my shot it's in the chart I had seen it.. triage nurse

April 24, 2025

5

All staff members were very helpful. I felt very relaxed and had an overall excellent visit. My doctor is the best And informative.

April 18, 2025

5

Caring & Professional as well. I consider all of the Doctors & Staff to be friends, and I thank them all!

April 5, 2025

5

good to see someone new

April 5, 2025

5

I love the doctor because she listened at you!

April 3, 2025

5

Excellent physicians & staff

March 28, 2025

5

great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 17, 2025

5

Very personable office staff. Always make me feel comfortable from the time I walk in, to the time I leave.

March 15, 2025

5

All of the staff and doctors were very friendly. They seem to want to make sure that I didn't have any issues and that I understand what my plan and test that were shown.

March 14, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful, thorough, very professional, and I just feel lucky that I found her. Thank you.

March 13, 2025

5

Love my dr and staff!

March 12, 2025

5

The entire staff is amazing!!! Dr.Hariharan is the best! I trust her with my life 100% Thank you for everything!

March 7, 2025

5

The entire staff are warm and caring, and the physicians are top notch!

March 9, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is very professional and cares about my health care

March 7, 2025

5

Great staff!!!

March 7, 2025

5

It was very good.

March 6, 2025

5

Good

March 5, 2025

5

Doctor H is the best ; i have truly been blessed by having her as my Doctor

March 1, 2025

5

Always a pleasure visiting with Dr. Sujatha Hariharan. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

February 16, 2025

5

All members of this facility who I encountered, from the reception area when I entered the office, the nurse aides who measured my weight & BP and collected blood samples to Dr. Hariharan were cordial, professional and had a demeanor that inspired confidence that I was receiving the most excellent care available!

February 15, 2025

5

Just an overall great experience as always with Dr. Hariharan and staff.

February 14, 2025

5

Everyone was polite, friendly, & efficient. Very professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful! She is very engaged with her patients and has thorough knowledge of their history. She always makes me feel better just by being around her.

February 12, 2025

5

I have been with this provider for over six years and have received excellent care.

February 10, 2025

5

Great experience!

February 8, 2025

5

The office staff is professional, efficient and caring!

February 6, 2025

5

The entire office were very professional and friendly

January 24, 2025

4

I would like more information on chemotherapy, which I have chosen, and the side effects, and the availability of medications to alleviate the side effects.

March 1, 2025

2

I feel that many of the Wellstar doctors rush their appointments with their patients. He is a robotic, staged discourse. I do not feel true, interest or care with these doctors. Get them in and out as quickly as possible has been my experience with them all.

March 14, 2025

2

I feel that many of the Wellstar doctors rush their appointments with their patients. He is a robotic, staged discourse. I do not feel true, interest or care with these doctors. Get them in and out as quickly as possible has been my experience with them all.

March 14, 2025

4

I would like more information on chemotherapy, which I have chosen, and the side effects, and the availability of medications to alleviate the side effects.

March 1, 2025

5

Dr.H has always been a knowledgeable and caring provider. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and gives you her feedback accordingly. Dr H played an integral part in saving my life!

May 2, 2025

5

Never had anyone hurt me drawing blood till now. Waiting quite a while on my shot it's in the chart I had seen it.. triage nurse

April 24, 2025

5

All staff members were very helpful. I felt very relaxed and had an overall excellent visit. My doctor is the best And informative.

April 18, 2025

5

Caring & Professional as well. I consider all of the Doctors & Staff to be friends, and I thank them all!

April 5, 2025

5

good to see someone new

April 5, 2025

5

I love the doctor because she listened at you!

April 3, 2025

5

Excellent physicians & staff

March 28, 2025

5

great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 17, 2025

5

Very personable office staff. Always make me feel comfortable from the time I walk in, to the time I leave.

March 15, 2025

5

All of the staff and doctors were very friendly. They seem to want to make sure that I didn't have any issues and that I understand what my plan and test that were shown.

March 14, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful, thorough, very professional, and I just feel lucky that I found her. Thank you.

March 13, 2025

5

Love my dr and staff!

March 12, 2025

5

The entire staff is amazing!!! Dr.Hariharan is the best! I trust her with my life 100% Thank you for everything!

March 7, 2025

5

The entire staff are warm and caring, and the physicians are top notch!

March 9, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is very professional and cares about my health care

March 7, 2025

5

Great staff!!!

March 7, 2025

5

It was very good.

March 6, 2025

5

Good

March 5, 2025

5

Doctor H is the best ; i have truly been blessed by having her as my Doctor

March 1, 2025

5

Always a pleasure visiting with Dr. Sujatha Hariharan. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

February 16, 2025

5

All members of this facility who I encountered, from the reception area when I entered the office, the nurse aides who measured my weight & BP and collected blood samples to Dr. Hariharan were cordial, professional and had a demeanor that inspired confidence that I was receiving the most excellent care available!

February 15, 2025

5

Just an overall great experience as always with Dr. Hariharan and staff.

February 14, 2025

5

Everyone was polite, friendly, & efficient. Very professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful! She is very engaged with her patients and has thorough knowledge of their history. She always makes me feel better just by being around her.

February 12, 2025

5

I have been with this provider for over six years and have received excellent care.

February 10, 2025

5

Great experience!

February 8, 2025

5

The office staff is professional, efficient and caring!

February 6, 2025

5

The entire office were very professional and friendly

January 24, 2025

5

Dr.H has always been a knowledgeable and caring provider. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and gives you her feedback accordingly. Dr H played an integral part in saving my life!

May 2, 2025

5

Never had anyone hurt me drawing blood till now. Waiting quite a while on my shot it's in the chart I had seen it.. triage nurse

April 24, 2025

5

All staff members were very helpful. I felt very relaxed and had an overall excellent visit. My doctor is the best And informative.

April 18, 2025

5

good to see someone new

April 5, 2025

5

Caring & Professional as well. I consider all of the Doctors & Staff to be friends, and I thank them all!

April 5, 2025

5

I love the doctor because she listened at you!

April 3, 2025

5

Excellent physicians & staff

March 28, 2025

5

great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 17, 2025

5

Very personable office staff. Always make me feel comfortable from the time I walk in, to the time I leave.

March 15, 2025

2

I feel that many of the Wellstar doctors rush their appointments with their patients. He is a robotic, staged discourse. I do not feel true, interest or care with these doctors. Get them in and out as quickly as possible has been my experience with them all.

March 14, 2025

5

All of the staff and doctors were very friendly. They seem to want to make sure that I didn't have any issues and that I understand what my plan and test that were shown.

March 14, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful, thorough, very professional, and I just feel lucky that I found her. Thank you.

March 13, 2025

5

Love my dr and staff!

March 12, 2025

5

The entire staff are warm and caring, and the physicians are top notch!

March 9, 2025

5

The entire staff is amazing!!! Dr.Hariharan is the best! I trust her with my life 100% Thank you for everything!

March 7, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is very professional and cares about my health care

March 7, 2025

5

Great staff!!!

March 7, 2025

5

It was very good.

March 6, 2025

5

Good

March 5, 2025

4

I would like more information on chemotherapy, which I have chosen, and the side effects, and the availability of medications to alleviate the side effects.

March 1, 2025

5

Doctor H is the best ; i have truly been blessed by having her as my Doctor

March 1, 2025

5

Always a pleasure visiting with Dr. Sujatha Hariharan. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

February 16, 2025

5

All members of this facility who I encountered, from the reception area when I entered the office, the nurse aides who measured my weight & BP and collected blood samples to Dr. Hariharan were cordial, professional and had a demeanor that inspired confidence that I was receiving the most excellent care available!

February 15, 2025

5

Just an overall great experience as always with Dr. Hariharan and staff.

February 14, 2025

5

Everyone was polite, friendly, & efficient. Very professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful! She is very engaged with her patients and has thorough knowledge of their history. She always makes me feel better just by being around her.

February 12, 2025

5

I have been with this provider for over six years and have received excellent care.

February 10, 2025

5

Great experience!

February 8, 2025

5

The office staff is professional, efficient and caring!

February 6, 2025

5

The entire office were very professional and friendly

January 24, 2025

5

The entire office were very professional and friendly

January 24, 2025

5

The office staff is professional, efficient and caring!

February 6, 2025

5

Great experience!

February 8, 2025

5

I have been with this provider for over six years and have received excellent care.

February 10, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful! She is very engaged with her patients and has thorough knowledge of their history. She always makes me feel better just by being around her.

February 12, 2025

5

Everyone was polite, friendly, & efficient. Very professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Just an overall great experience as always with Dr. Hariharan and staff.

February 14, 2025

5

All members of this facility who I encountered, from the reception area when I entered the office, the nurse aides who measured my weight & BP and collected blood samples to Dr. Hariharan were cordial, professional and had a demeanor that inspired confidence that I was receiving the most excellent care available!

February 15, 2025

5

Always a pleasure visiting with Dr. Sujatha Hariharan. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

February 16, 2025

5

Doctor H is the best ; i have truly been blessed by having her as my Doctor

March 1, 2025

4

I would like more information on chemotherapy, which I have chosen, and the side effects, and the availability of medications to alleviate the side effects.

March 1, 2025

5

Good

March 5, 2025

5

It was very good.

March 6, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is very professional and cares about my health care

March 7, 2025

5

Great staff!!!

March 7, 2025

5

The entire staff is amazing!!! Dr.Hariharan is the best! I trust her with my life 100% Thank you for everything!

March 7, 2025

5

The entire staff are warm and caring, and the physicians are top notch!

March 9, 2025

5

Love my dr and staff!

March 12, 2025

5

Dr. Hariharan is wonderful, thorough, very professional, and I just feel lucky that I found her. Thank you.

March 13, 2025

2

I feel that many of the Wellstar doctors rush their appointments with their patients. He is a robotic, staged discourse. I do not feel true, interest or care with these doctors. Get them in and out as quickly as possible has been my experience with them all.

March 14, 2025

5

All of the staff and doctors were very friendly. They seem to want to make sure that I didn't have any issues and that I understand what my plan and test that were shown.

March 14, 2025

5

Very personable office staff. Always make me feel comfortable from the time I walk in, to the time I leave.

March 15, 2025

5

great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 17, 2025

5

Excellent physicians & staff

March 28, 2025

5

I love the doctor because she listened at you!

April 3, 2025

5

Caring & Professional as well. I consider all of the Doctors & Staff to be friends, and I thank them all!

April 5, 2025

5

good to see someone new

April 5, 2025

5

All staff members were very helpful. I felt very relaxed and had an overall excellent visit. My doctor is the best And informative.

April 18, 2025

5

Never had anyone hurt me drawing blood till now. Waiting quite a while on my shot it's in the chart I had seen it.. triage nurse

April 24, 2025

5

Dr.H has always been a knowledgeable and caring provider. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and gives you her feedback accordingly. Dr H played an integral part in saving my life!

May 2, 2025

Publications and Articles

Woman providers and breast cancer patient talking

What to Expect When You or a Loved One Are Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Breasts play an important role when it comes to a woman’s health, yes, but often they’re an important part of a woman’s identity, sexuality and function too. With 1 in 8 American women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, the disease affects many people physically and emotionally.

In this article, a patient and a group of breast experts discuss the best ways to prevent and fight breast cancer, as well as how to support family members, friends, colleagues or neighbors who may be diagnosed.  

 Photos of a breast cancer survivor and physicians for the round table discussion


What do women struggle with the most during treatment, and what helps?

Tameka Pearson, breast cancer survivor: When I was diagnosed, I just went to pieces. I cried for about two weeks straight. There were tears in my eyes when I’d wake up. I didn’t want to eat or go outside. I had to process the information. I was getting phone calls—updates and making appointments. But I was still a mom and a wife and had to go to work. That was a lot. 

When I was a child, my mom would say, ‘Pick yourself up and dust yourself off and get moving.’ I gave myself permission to mourn for two weeks—permission to loathe, to cry, to get it out of my system. Once those two weeks were over, I was done crying—done feeling sorry for me. I picked myself up and persevered. I realized I have a lot to live for! I couldn’t give up.

Before breast cancer, I did everything for my family—cooking cleaning, washing clothes. When I was diagnosed, they immediately took over. They became more independent, especially my children. My husband became more of the provider and caretaker. My children were like, ‘Mom, we need you to sit down; we need you to rest.’

One of my coworkers from the past is also a survivor and started a group called Lean On Me. When I logged onto a Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network Zoom meeting, I loved it. They were uplifting, prayerful and gave me great information if I had questions. 

Margie Apacible-Mancao, MSN, RN, CBCN, nurse navigator: After the initial shock of diagnosis, it’s not uncommon to get depressed or anxious. There can be the stress of transportation, childcare if they have young children at home or financial concerns. Sometimes patients experience anxiety for the first time, sometimes they’ve had it in the past and being diagnosed brings it to the front. We can connect them to counselors, financial counselors and social workers, or they can join a support group. Meeting with other patients and survivors helps them know they are not alone, get through treatment with hope and form great friendships. We live in a society where we’re trained to be independent, but when I meet with patients, I say, ‘Allow yourself to receive help.’

Dr. Karen Xu, MD, radiation oncologist: In general, radiation treatment for breast cancer is very well tolerated and most women go through the treatment without much difficulty. The most common side effects are fatigue and skin irritation appearing as a sunburn-like reaction from radiation treatment. We see patients at least once a week during radiation treatment and we recommend different creams depending on how severe the skin radiation reaction is. Mild physical activity usually helps with fatigue.

Dr. Sujatha Hariharan, MD, medical oncologist: One of the initial concerns patients have when they start chemotherapy is potential hair loss. This can be devastating and disheartening. We are excited to now offer cool caps as a means to reduce hair loss from chemotherapy. Cool caps work by cooling the scalp, leading to constriction of blood vessels in the scalp. This might reduce the amount of chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles leading to reduced hair loss from the head. The success rate of the cool cap can vary from person to person.

There is a vast cancer support network available through Wellstar. Aside from the doctors, patients have support from social workers, chaplains, dietitians, nurses and nurse navigators. A whole team of people is here to help patients through the process. Patients often meet other patients during treatment where they bond and support one another. This can be such a meaningful and valuable relationship.  

The main thing is you’re not going to be alone. Many people will be here to help you with all aspects of your care.

Continue reading this article
A group of female providers chatting

A Candid Talk About Your Breasts

Over the years, advice about breast self-exams and breast cancer screenings has changed. So what exactly should you be doing to make sure you’re staying your healthiest? We brought together a panel of women’s health experts to discuss the best strategies to keep tabs on your breast health—and who to talk to if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer.

Headshots of breast cancer panelists

I do breast self-checks every month. Why do I need a mammogram too?

Dr. Paula Greaves, MD, OBGYN, Wellstar chief Women's Health officer: Unfortunately, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so early detection is key. We have shown over the years that the sooner we detect breast cancer, the more successfully it can be treated. Survival has increased significantly since we started finding breast cancer earlier—before there are symptoms, such as feeling a lump during a self-exam.

Mammograms are essential for early detection. It’s recommended that women start getting mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your gynecologist or primary care provider may recommend starting earlier and will help you create a personalized screening plan. There are some risk factors that women cannot change, such as genetics, but there are some ways women can lower their risk, like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Wellstar offers 16 mammography locations, and our patients have state-of-the-art technology on their side. We offer high-resolution breast screening, including 3D mammograms.

Women should continue not only getting annual mammograms, but also seeing their gynecologist or primary care provider for regular breast exams. Women should also be aware of physical changes within their bodies, including breast changes. Changes in the texture of the skin or a lump or pain in the breast should always be checked out by their healthcare provider.

Margie Apacible-Mancao, MSN, RN, CBCN, nurse navigator: I am so passionate about breast cancer screening—every opportunity I have I tell patients to get a screening mammogram when they’re of age. Tell someone in your circle that you’re going, then they’ll tell someone in their circle and the circle gets wider so more people will get screened.

Does it mean I have cancer if the doctor recommends a biopsy?

Dr. Sujatha Hariharan, MD, medical oncologist: When a mammogram detects an abnormality, a biopsy might be indicated. Many breast biopsies will be non-cancerous such as fibroadenomas.  

If cancer is found on a breast biopsy, there are several parts of the pathology result that the care team will utilize to make a treatment plan. For example, the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity allows the potential for hormone therapy as part of the treatment plan. The HER-2 gene is also tested for and if that is present and positive, it allows for medication directed at the HER-2 gene to be given along with chemotherapy.  

Sequencing of the various treatments for breast cancer—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy—will be determined as a collaborative effort between the breast surgeon and medical oncologist.

If I’m diagnosed, who should I talk to next?

Margie: The anxiety of not knowing their diagnosis or what’s next is one of the hardest parts. At Wellstar, patients have access to a nurse navigator on the day they are recommended to have a biopsy. We make an appointment with the specialists as quickly as possible because just knowing that someone is helping them get to the next step and get that appointment fast dials down their stress level. 

Dr. Karen Xu, MD, radiation oncologist:
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will need to see a breast surgeon first to discuss your surgery options—lumpectomy or mastectomy; a radiation oncologist to discuss the duration of radiation treatment and whether lymph nodes should be included in the target; and a medical oncologist about whether endocrine therapy or chemotherapy is indicated and the timing of systemic therapy. Patients who desire reconstruction after mastectomy will discuss with a plastic surgeon the type and timing of reconstruction they want.


Schedule a mammogram

Find a breast imaging location near you online or call (678) 581-5900.

Continue reading this article
Sujatha Hariharan, MD
Hematologist/Oncologist affiliated with Wellstar since 2006
Rating
4.8
Specialties
Hematology/Oncology , Medical Oncology, Hematology
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
St. George's University
Residency
Temple University Hospital
Fellowship
University of Colorado
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine - Onc
American Board of Internal Medicine - Hem
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/sujatha-hariharan-md
Back to Top
Branding illustration
Wellstar Logo
More than healthcare. PeopleCare.
Branding illustration
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal
Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

Copyright © 2025 Wellstar Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Wellstar does not discriminate on, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression or any other type of discrimination prohibited by law.

Cookie Preferences

We use cookies for booking and general analytics. Learn more about our internet privacy policy.