University Health Alliance

03/09/2026

Colon cancer prevention starts in your kitchen! 🥦🍎

We’re excited to share these expert tips from UHA colorectal surgeon Dr. Fia Yi, highlighting how small, consistent dietary choices can make a big impact on your long-term colon health. From fiber-rich breakfasts to "smart swaps" at dinner, Dr. Yi breaks down how to build a colon-friendly lifestyle!

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. While healthy habits are a powerful first step, the most important action you can take is scheduling your screening colonoscopy starting at age 45.

Call our Gastroenterology team at 762-356-4785 to schedule your colonoscopy today! 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 us! Let’s flood the feed with blue to show our commitment to a healthier community.

03/05/2026

Tomorrow is National Dress in Blue Day! 💙

We’re kicking off the first Friday of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by wearing blue to raise awareness for one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early.

This day is about honoring those who have been affected by colorectal cancer, supporting those currently in treatment, and reminding our community that early detection saves lives.

Need to schedule your screening? Call our Gastroenterology team at 762-356-4785 to book your colonoscopy today! Don't wait, get screened.

03/02/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to prioritize your health and take action! 💙

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, especially in people under 50.

We’re kicking off the month by sharing the story of Pam Allen, a survivor whose life was changed by a precautionary screening.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that "keeping secrets can kill." Talking to your family to establish a family history and staying current with screenings is the best way to protect your future!

Take the next step in prevention today by calling us at 762-356-4785 to schedule your screening colonoscopy. Don't wait, get screened!

Read more about Pam's story and her current advocacy in our blog:
https://bit.ly/4kIEGLN

02/27/2026

As we wrap up Cancer Prevention Month, we wanted to remind our patients that it is never too late to take a positive step for your health.

Making the choice to quit smoking is one of the most impactful ways to protect your future, as to***co use is a primary factor in nearly 80% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. While we know this path isn’t always easy, you don't have to walk it alone.

Whether you’ve been thinking about quitting for a day or a decade, there is a community of support ready to help you succeed:

▶️ 1-800-QUIT-NOW: A free resource for guidance and support.

▶️ Your Primary Care Team: We are here to help you navigate this transition with compassion and medical support.

Check out these insights from Dr. Eric Flynt, medical oncologist at University Cancer & Blood Center, on how small steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow. ⤵️

02/24/2026

Mark your calendar for UCBC Cares Foundation's 2nd annual Strollin' for the Colon event!

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

Join us as we come together in honor of those affected by colorectal cancer.

The morning will feature key speakers, survivor testimonials, community vendor tables, live music, raffle prizes, and 1-mile fun walk!

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

02/23/2026

Although cancer is never truly preventable, there are many lifestyle changes you can implement to greatly reduce your odds of developing the disease. In honor of National Cancer Prevention Month, we're sharing nutrition and fitness tips from our friend Caroline Ward, owner, certified personal trainer, and nutrition consultant at transFit!

In a special bonus episode of her podcast "Living Transformed," Caroline reflects on her role as a panelist at UCBC Cares Foundation's 2nd annual "Breast Friends" ladies brunch event, and shares the top three nutrition habits that support the body for long term wellness and cancer prevention:

1️⃣ Nourish the body consistently. It is critical to eat enough and to eat regularly! Chronic under-eating stresses your body and destabilizes it.

2️⃣ Build your meals around proteins and plants. Your body's structural protections rely on proteins and plants! Proteins and plants help your body become resilient and strong.

3️⃣ Ensure you receive enough healthy fats and healthy fibers. These help your body prioritize brain health, cellular repair, vitamin absorption, and hormone reproduction.

Listen to the full episode from Caroline here: https://bit.ly/4ru9e8q

02/19/2026

We are proud to stand alongside our sibling organization, University Cancer & Blood Center, in our mission to provide convenient, comprehensive, and compassionate care for all, including cancer screenings!

When it comes to cancer care, early detection provides more options and better outcomes. That journey begins with your annual physical right here at UHA.

Call us at 762-356-4933 to schedule your exam and discuss your screening schedule today.

“Early detection saved my life,” says artist and prostate cancer patient Montell Jordan. “And continued checkups continue saving it.”

In honor of both Black History Month and National Cancer Prevention Month, we are highlighting the importance of proactive health screenings. According to Morehouse School of Medicine, black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other races and ethnicities and are more than twice as likely to die from it than other men.

At UCBC, we are committed to closing this gap through education and outreach. We were proud to have our own Dr. Petros "Nik" Nikolinakos join the Athens alumni chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at their 2025 prostate summit to share expertise on detection and care.

Early detection provides more options and better outcomes. Whether it’s a genetic risk assessment or a physical evaluation, your annual exam is the first step in staying ahead of your health.

Call our sibling organization, University Health Alliance, at 762-356-4933 to schedule your annual physical and discuss when you should be screened!

02/18/2026

According to a new study by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is now the most common cancer death in people under 50.

Let's change that— get screened. Early detection is critical to positive outcomes and can bring you many more years of smiles, laughter, and hugs with those you love.

Call the University Health Alliance Gastroenterology team at 762-356-4785 to schedule your routine screening colonoscopy. Do it for yourself, and do it for your loved ones. 💙

Learn more about the ACS study here: https://bit.ly/4qT1JHB

02/16/2026

Being diagnosed with cancer is life-changing. While oncologists will oversee all of your needs related to cancer treatment, there may still be elements of your health that are best addressed through primary care.

That's why University Health Alliance is proud to partner with our sibling organization University Cancer & Blood Center to provide patients with the best possible care.

For example, your primary care provider can:

▶️ Provide ongoing holistic care to address any other new or pre-existing medical ️ conditions that may arise from or be impacted by treatment
▶️ Coordinate care with other specialists
▶️ Offer urgent care and prescription refills
▶️ Ensure you’re receiving emotional support

When PCPs and oncologists collaborate together, both providers can give you the complete answers and support you need during a challenging time. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Po7yuI

02/11/2026

“Keeping secrets can kill.”

In honor of Black History Month, we are sharing this powerful message from colorectal cancer survivor and UCBC/UHA patient Pam Allen!

For many Black Americans, historical experiences have led to a lack of trust in medical institutions. This often results in murky family medical histories, which can be a significant barrier to receiving life-saving referrals and genetic testing.

At University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance, we are committed to earning your trust through compassionate, patient-centered care. This month, we encourage you to follow Pam’s lead:

➡️ Talk to your family: Share your medical history across generations. Knowing your family history is empowering for you and the next generation.

➡️ Take control: Don't wait for symptoms. Discuss your risks with your doctor to determine when you should begin screenings.

➡️ Get screened: The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone begin regular colorectal screenings at age 45. This is especially critical for Black Americans, who are statistically more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages and more advanced stages.

Early detection changes outcomes. Call 762-356-4785 to schedule a screening colonoscopy or at 762-356-4933 to start the conversation with a primary care provider today!