University Health Alliance

04/02/2026

April is National Cancer Control Month, a time to focus on increasing positive outcomes through early detection!

University Health Alliance primary care physician Dr. Steven Chesser emphasizes that early detection starts with your annual exam. Your annual physical is more than just a check-up; it is a vital opportunity for cancer detection and prevention through:

🔹 Genetic Risk Assessment: Reviewing your family history to identify genetic predispositions to specific cancers.

🔹 Social and Lifestyle Review: Evaluating habits and potential exposures that could increase your individual risk.

🔹 Physical Evaluation: Conducting a thorough exam to detect any early physical abnormalities.

🔹 Preventative Vaccinations: Discussing vaccines, such as those that can help prevent certain types of cancer.

While cancer screenings can feel overwhelming, they are a powerful tool for your long-term wellness. Early detection often leads to more manageable treatment options and significantly improves the chances of a positive outcome.

Schedule your primary care annual exam with our team today by calling 762-356-4933!

04/01/2026

Join us as we celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day at our 2nd Annual Life is a Picnic – Still Blooming event!

📆 Saturday, June 6, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 UCBC Athens Loretta’s Garden
3320 Old Jefferson Road
Building 800
Athens GA 30607

We invite cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, families, and our community to gather for an uplifting afternoon honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of our survivor community.

Learn more and RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4sHzyw6

03/30/2026

Please join us in celebrating National Doctors' Day, an occasion where we honor not only our own physicians at University Health Alliance and University Cancer & Blood Center, but also our incredible collaborating physicians in our community!

National Doctors’ Day actually traces its roots to our region, when Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of a physician, organized the first observance in Winder, Georgia. With time, the observance gained national recognition, and March 30 was formally established as National Doctors’ Day in the United States.

Thank you to our amazing UHA-UCBC physicians and to our collaborating physicians for all you to provide our community with top-notch, compassionate care, .

03/27/2026

In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we sat down with University Health Alliance Gastroenterologist, Dr. Minesh Mehta, to discuss the joint UHA-UCBC High Risk GI Clinic!

The Clinic collaborates closely with patients who possess underlying pre-cancerous conditions or genetic predispositions that elevate their susceptibility to GI cancers, such as pancreatic, colorectal, or gastric cancers.

"The High Risk GI Clinic basically helps us identify people or a subset of people within a population that may have family history of cancer or personal history of cancer to see if they have some genetic risk factor that may predispose them to experiencing or developing cancer," says Dr. Mehta.

Hear more about the High Risk GI clinic from Dr. Mehta here: https://bit.ly/4uq9Qh9

03/26/2026

In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, our experts are dispelling some common myths! Learn more from Minesh Mehta, MD, Kris Schultz-Tanner, FNP-C, ACGN, and Aaron Chang, MD.

❌ Myth: "You only need a colonoscopy if you have symptoms."
✅ Fact: Colorectal cancer is often called a "silent" disease because it frequently develops without any early symptoms.

❌ Myth: "No family history means no risk."
✅ Fact: Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer actually have no family history of the disease.

❌ Myth: "If I feel fine, I'm fine."
✅ Fact: Colorectal cancer can grow silently for years. Screening is about prevention, not waiting for symptoms.

Protect your future today by scheduling your screening colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society recommends that screenings for most adults begin at age 45.

Call the UHA Gastroenterology team at 762-356-4785 to book your appointment.

03/24/2026

UCBC patient and colorectal cancer survivor Pam Allen recently appeared on 11Alive to share a powerful message— getting a colonoscopy at the right time can save your life.

Today, she credits her care team and early detection for helping her reach a major milestone: more than a decade cancer-free.

Pam shares her journey to help others understand when to get a colonoscopy, and why listening to your body matters. Read her story below!

When Pam Allen appeared on 11Alive, her message was simple but powerful: getting a colonoscopy at the right time can save your life. A colorectal cancer survivor now more than 10 years cancer-free, Pam shared her journey to help others understand when to get a colonoscopy, and why listening to your....

03/20/2026

Colorectal cancer rates are swiftly rising among younger adults. According to the Cancer Research Institute, one in five people with a colorectal cancer diagnosis are younger than age 55.

"We have definitely seen an increased rate and frequency of colon cancer in patients well under the age of 50, sometimes in their 20s and 30s," says UHA Gastroenterologist Dr. Minesh Mehta. "Locally around Athens and the greater Athens area, I would say at least once a month, sometimes twice a month, we are diagnosing patients under the age of 40 with colon cancer."

Learn more about this increasing trend from Dr. Mehta here: https://bit.ly/4uq9Qh9

03/18/2026

Join us this Saturday for UCBC Cares Foundation's 2nd annual Strollin' for the Colon event!

This free, engaging experience is designed to bring survivors, patients, community members, friends, and family together to honor and support those affected by colorectal cancer.

The morning will feature key speakers, including University Health Alliance's Dr. Minesh Mehta and Dr. Vikas Sangwan, along with community vendor tables, live music, raffle prizes, and 1-mile fun walk!

📆 Saturday, March 21st
🕜 10:00AM
📍 1460 Resurgence Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677

Register here: https://ucbccares.org/strollin/

03/17/2026

Fitness is prevention! Staying active is one of the best ways to support your digestive health and lower your risk for colorectal cancer.

In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we're excited to share these simple, effective moves from Hunter Maurer, Certified Personal Trainer and fitness instructor at Fitness at Five!

From squats to core rotations, Hunter demonstrates how consistent movement can support digestion, reduce Inflammation, and lower your cancer risk.

While exercise is a powerful prevention tool, it doesn't replace the need for regular screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screenings for most adults begin at age 45. Don’t wait— take control of your health today!

Visit the UHA website to schedule your screening colonoscopy: https://www.universityhealthalliance.com/

03/16/2026

Join us Saturday evening as we partner with the Athens Rock Lobsters to Stick it to Cancer! For every ticket purchased through our link, $5 is donated directly to the UCBC Cares Foundation. Join University Health Alliance's Dr. Minesh Mehta and University Cancer & Blood Center's Dr. Jane Huang as we remind everyone that community is stronger than cancer!

Get your tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Ucbccares2

Reminder!!

Join us for an evening of hockey and hometown spirit as we partner with the Athens Rock Lobsters to Stick it to Cancer 🏒💙

For every ticket purchased through our link, $5 is donated directly to the UCBC Cares Foundation.

So please bring your friends and family, wear your cancer color and help us remind everyone that community is stronger than cancer!

Puck drops at 4:05, see you then!

Get your tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Ucbccares2

03/14/2026

Save the date for our upcoming event, “Growing Together” in partnership with UCBC Cares Foundation and Kesem!

This family event is focused on connection, joy, and learning through shared activities including a tour of our facilities. Families with children age 18 or younger whose parents are affected by cancer are welcome to join us for an impactful morning.

📆 Saturday, April 18th, 2026
🕜 10:00 AM
📍3320 Old Jefferson Rd Bldg 800 Athens, GA 30607

Stay tuned for more details coming soon here: https://ucbccares.org/event/growing-together/

03/13/2026

Save the date for our upcoming event "Life Is A Picnic," a celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day! Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 6, and stay tuned for more details to come. 📆