University Cancer & Blood Center

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from your UCBC and UHA Family! 🍂

We wish you and your loved ones a day filled with gratitude, joy, and good health.

Please note: our offices are closed today, November 27. We will have modified hours November 28, operating from 7:30 AM to noon.

We look forward to seeing you when we return!

11/26/2025

In honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we're highlighting the story of Jonathon Byrd, better known as Santa to the Athens community!

In 2021, Jonathon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, just before the holiday season. After a successful Whipple procedure and treatment at UCBC, Jonathon was declared cancer-free and was able to resume his role as Santa in 2022. He's been cancer-free ever since, and has made several special appearances as Santa at our Athens campus since then!

Read more from the Journal-Constitution here: https://bit.ly/3LulCFn

As we enter the holiday season, stay tuned for more from our favorite Santa!

11/25/2025

World-class care is a team effort!

At the GI Tumor Board, physicians from University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance join forces to ensure every patient receives the best possible treatment plan.

Our multidisciplinary team—including Oncologists, Gastroenterologists, Surgeons, and specialists—reviews complex cases and pools their expertise. This commitment to collaboration means truly personalized, world-class cancer care for you and your loved ones, . 🤝

11/24/2025

We had an incredible day at our University Cancer & Blood Center - University Health Alliance staff appreciation tailgate party!

Our afternoon was filled with food, games, music, and special appearances form the UGA Spike Squad and Clawdius from the Athens Rock Lobsters! We recognized years of service, raffled off prizes, and unveiled the Loretta Goodson Garden, in honor of Loretta's 30+ years serving as CEO.

Thank you to all who helped make this amazing staff appreciation party a success!

11/20/2025

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic cancer signs are often subtle and easily missed, leading to delayed diagnosis. As UCBC Surgical Oncologist, Dr. James Griffin, explains, "The signs and symptoms are often subtle... and can often be confused or attributed to more common things."

The good news? Advancements in treatments are giving patients more hope than ever before. We are curing more people, thanks to new therapies and increased access to comprehensive care.

If you have risk factors or feel like something isn't right, talk to your Primary Care Provider. Seeking a specialized evaluation is critical to diagnose this disease!

11/19/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month. We want to take this moment to recognize the tremendous dedication, sacrifice, and strength of those caring for a loved one with cancer.

Cancer caregivers are essential heroes on the treatment and survivorship journey. They provide everything from emotional encouragement and transport to appointments, to daily health assistance. Their commitment is truly life-changing.

To every family member, friend, and partner supporting a patient: We see your commitment, we appreciate your love, and we are here to support you. Thank you for everything you do. 💙

11/18/2025

How do you cope with a cancer diagnosis? For Athens resident and graphic designer James Burns, he channeled his experience into two powerful comic books: "The Death of Me" and "Half Life."

James, a patient of University Cancer & Blood Center Oncologist Dr. Charles Bodine, details his prostate cancer diagnosis, radiation treatment, and the reality of long-term monitoring. His goal is simple: to share information and hope.

"Prostate cancer screening remains important... The general recommendation is that by age 50, men who are at average prostate cancer risk should talk to their doctors about screening options," says Dr. Bodine.

We are honored to be part of James's care team and celebrate his resilience in using art to educate others.

Read more about James via the Athens Banner-Herald & OnlineAthens.com here. ⤵️

11/17/2025

The pink ribbons come down in November, but the need for breast cancer awareness and support continues 365 days a year! 🩷

We encourage you to watch and share UCBC team member Kimberly Liebowitz's powerful, multi-part journey through her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Her story is a reminder that breast cancer can impact anyone, and regular screening is key to early detection and positive outcomes.

Watch here. ⤵️

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

11/13/2025

"The care that I received at UCBC, it was genuine. I felt the love."

Meet Pam Allen, a colorectal cancer survivor 13 years cancer-free! Pam's journey began with a shocking Stage 3 diagnosis, but the assurance, support, and encouragement she received from the UCBC team instantly calmed her fears.

Now, she is a true beacon of hope in our community. She organizes the annual Blue Banquet, leads local awareness efforts, and even shared her story before Congress as a national advocate.

Pam continues her long-term wellness and survivorship journey with follow-up care at our sibling organization, University Health Alliance.

Our mission is to provide you with the best quality care for the best quality of life, throughout treatment and into survivorship.

Watch Pam's story of thriving and advocating after diagnosis, and learn more about her journey here: https://bit.ly/4kIEGLN

11/11/2025

On Veteran's Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served in our Armed Forces. We are especially proud to honor our own team members who embody the spirit of service every day.

This includes:
🇺🇸 Dr. James Splichal (UCBC)
🇺🇸 Dr. Kuang Chang (UCBC)
🇺🇸 Dr. Frederick Flynt (UCBC)
🇺🇸 Dr. Fia Yi (University Health Alliance)

Thank you for your sacrifice, your commitment to our country, and for continuing to serve our community through dedicated medical care.

11/10/2025

Join us in celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week! Our NPs are truly invaluable. We appreciate their dedication to ensuring every one of our patients receives the compassionate, expert care they deserve, straight .

11/06/2025

Although lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death, there are actionable steps you can take to lower your risk!

In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Eric Flynt shares quick tips on protecting your lungs:

▶️ Avoid all smoke and to***co products
▶️ Avoid environmental toxins (like secondhand smoke, radon, and asbestos)
▶️ Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

When it comes to positive lung cancer outcomes, early detection is key! If you are a current or former smoker, talk to your primary care doctor about an annual low-dose Lung Cancer Screening CT.

And if you need help quitting, UCBC offers a successful Smoking Cessation Program to help you achieve your goal!

Simply ask your provider to refer you to University Cancer & Blood Center for your treatment!