University Cancer & Blood Center

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.

At UCBC, we are dedicated to patient education and empowerment. Understanding the true risks can help you make the best decisions for your health journey.

Are you 45 or older? It’s time to start the conversation. Call our sibling organization, University Health Alliance, at 762-356-4785 to schedule your screening colonoscopy.

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 University Health Alliance 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

This World Social Work Day and National Social Work Month we honor our incredible social workers on the Live Well team! We are so proud to celebrate these dedicated professionals who provide essential support to our patients:

💙 Charissa Bright, LCSW
💙 Michelle Clark, LCSW
💙 Summer Nuhfer, MSW
💙 Mattie Windham-Hill, LMSW
💙 Lesley Falcon, MSW

We are so grateful for the kindness and expertise they bring to our offices every day. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/46T7ld5

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. 📆

03/09/2026

Prevention is our most powerful tool in the fight against cancer. 💙

We are proud to partner with our sibling organization, University Health Alliance, to provide comprehensive care that begins with education and prevention.

Watch below as UHA colorectal surgeon Dr. Fia Yi discusses how daily habits and early detection can change the course of your health!

By choosing fiber-rich foods and reducing processed meats, you are taking a proactive step toward long-term wellness. However, the journey doesn't stop in the kitchen. Regular screenings are vital for catching and preventing issues before they start.

Schedule your screening colonoscopy with the UHA Gastroenterology team today by calling 762-356-4785! Don't wait, get screened.

03/06/2026

Today is Employee Appreciation Day, and we are taking a moment to celebrate the incredible people who make University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance such special places for our patients. Our team’s compassion and dedication are the foundation of everything we do.

In a wonderful display of that shared commitment, you'll see our staff wearing blue today. While we are celebrating our team, we are also recognizing National Dress in Blue Day to raise awareness for colorectal cancer prevention. It’s a cause close to our hearts, as we know that early detection truly saves lives.

If you're wearing blue today, snap a photo and tag our sibling organization, University Health Alliance! Let’s flood the feed with blue to show our commitment to a healthier community.