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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 317 patient ratings
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
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
Wellstar staff members are always courteous, friendly, efficient and professional!
September 26, 2025
5
Dr. S. Hariharan & her staff are wonderful I would not trade not one of them just loving caring people.
September 25, 2025
5
Words can't describe how professional, and knowledgeable, and kind everyone was. You took excellent care of me. And you saved my life in the most caring way. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
September 13, 2025
5
Great staff!!
September 13, 2025
5
I have been under Dr. Harriane for a little over a year. I always felt like she's done great. I always felt like she has a great staff. She's very respectable. To me, her staff is also, and it just gives me a little smile whenever I see her because I know she's going to be truthful. before diagnosed.
September 12, 2025
5
Hi. Dr. Harry Heron has been my doctor for the past almost a decade. I've been seeing her and I have recommended family members and friends to her. She's excellent. She's just excellent. I love her. It's an appointment, a medical appointment, but I really enjoy seeing her when I do. She always has a positive outcome and input in my care. And I feel like she cares about me and I feel sure that she cares about me and how I go about my directions with prescriptions and all of that. She's a very, very good doctor. I really enjoy her and recommend her to everyone that I come in contact with and need her.
September 5, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan is amazing!! Wonderful personality, highly impressive knowledge in the field of medical oncology, and well versed on each patient's individual treatment goals.
August 29, 2025
5
Dr Hariharan and the ancillary staff are amazing! They are caring, compassionate and open to answering questions.
August 23, 2025
5
Very fast being seen. Left feeling better
August 22, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan and her team are nothing short of amazing. Thank you for always treating me with such respect and care. You all are the best-don't ever forget that!
August 13, 2025
5
I have trusted Dr Hariharan with my life! She is knowledgeable and kind, but she is also honest about my cancer. I trust her to guide me thru my journey.
August 10, 2025
5
I have been a patient for about 18 years receiving excellent medical treatment from my doctor and all medical professionals. I would highly recommend my doctor and this medical team to others.
August 1, 2025
5
Through my cancer journey I have been blessed with the best providers. They have been thorough, answering any and all questions and made me feel at ease. Dr Hariharan is fantastic!
August 1, 2025
5
Doctor and staff were awesome
July 31, 2025
5
Very pleased with DrHariharan Im always happy to see her
July 26, 2025
5
The entire process was like clockwork. No problems. Thank you
July 26, 2025
4
1) Front desk person needs to speak clearly through entire instructions and not let voice drop. 2) If wait takes longer than 30 minutes to see the doctor, patient should be offered an option to reschedule (without a fee being charged). 3) Doctor notes should be seen by front desk staff when patient has a preference as to the person who performs the blood draw procedure and the patient should be posed with questions at in person check in time. The patient should never make the request known directly to the blood draw staff. Otherwise the front desk staff need to be informed on how to professional and tactfully communicate the patient's request to the lead medical staff. Don't make the situation awkward for either person.
July 24, 2025
5
Every one was awesome thank you for caring
July 13, 2025
5
This doctor and the entire staff are like family when I was receiving chemotherapy. The absolute best practice for oncology!!
July 12, 2025
5
Outstanding
June 15, 2025
4
Thankful.
June 12, 2025
5
Outstanding experience.
June 12, 2025
5
The Staff and medical staff, plus drs ARE VERY KIND!!! I Appreciate That!!
June 7, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan professionalism and knowledge is outmatched! What makes her so special to me is that she leads with the heart. Dr. Hariharan. Thank you Dr. Hariharan for making my care plan for breast cancer be the best it could be! Also, I want to shout out the chemo nurses - they took great care of me and provided me education. This medical office should receive recognition from Wellstar!
May 25, 2025
5
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
5
They are wonderful.
May 15, 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
Wellstar staff members are always courteous, friendly, efficient and professional!
September 26, 2025
5
Dr. S. Hariharan & her staff are wonderful I would not trade not one of them just loving caring people.
September 25, 2025
5
Words can't describe how professional, and knowledgeable, and kind everyone was. You took excellent care of me. And you saved my life in the most caring way. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
September 13, 2025
5
Great staff!!
September 13, 2025
5
I have been under Dr. Harriane for a little over a year. I always felt like she's done great. I always felt like she has a great staff. She's very respectable. To me, her staff is also, and it just gives me a little smile whenever I see her because I know she's going to be truthful. before diagnosed.
September 12, 2025
5
Hi. Dr. Harry Heron has been my doctor for the past almost a decade. I've been seeing her and I have recommended family members and friends to her. She's excellent. She's just excellent. I love her. It's an appointment, a medical appointment, but I really enjoy seeing her when I do. She always has a positive outcome and input in my care. And I feel like she cares about me and I feel sure that she cares about me and how I go about my directions with prescriptions and all of that. She's a very, very good doctor. I really enjoy her and recommend her to everyone that I come in contact with and need her.
September 5, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan is amazing!! Wonderful personality, highly impressive knowledge in the field of medical oncology, and well versed on each patient's individual treatment goals.
August 29, 2025
5
Dr Hariharan and the ancillary staff are amazing! They are caring, compassionate and open to answering questions.
August 23, 2025
5
Very fast being seen. Left feeling better
August 22, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan and her team are nothing short of amazing. Thank you for always treating me with such respect and care. You all are the best-don't ever forget that!
August 13, 2025
5
I have trusted Dr Hariharan with my life! She is knowledgeable and kind, but she is also honest about my cancer. I trust her to guide me thru my journey.
August 10, 2025
5
I have been a patient for about 18 years receiving excellent medical treatment from my doctor and all medical professionals. I would highly recommend my doctor and this medical team to others.
August 1, 2025
5
Through my cancer journey I have been blessed with the best providers. They have been thorough, answering any and all questions and made me feel at ease. Dr Hariharan is fantastic!
August 1, 2025
5
Doctor and staff were awesome
July 31, 2025
5
Very pleased with DrHariharan Im always happy to see her
July 26, 2025
5
The entire process was like clockwork. No problems. Thank you
July 26, 2025
5
Every one was awesome thank you for caring
July 13, 2025
5
This doctor and the entire staff are like family when I was receiving chemotherapy. The absolute best practice for oncology!!
July 12, 2025
5
Outstanding
June 15, 2025
5
Outstanding experience.
June 12, 2025
5
The Staff and medical staff, plus drs ARE VERY KIND!!! I Appreciate That!!
June 7, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan professionalism and knowledge is outmatched! What makes her so special to me is that she leads with the heart. Dr. Hariharan. Thank you Dr. Hariharan for making my care plan for breast cancer be the best it could be! Also, I want to shout out the chemo nurses - they took great care of me and provided me education. This medical office should receive recognition from Wellstar!
May 25, 2025
5
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
5
They are wonderful.
May 15, 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
4
1) Front desk person needs to speak clearly through entire instructions and not let voice drop. 2) If wait takes longer than 30 minutes to see the doctor, patient should be offered an option to reschedule (without a fee being charged). 3) Doctor notes should be seen by front desk staff when patient has a preference as to the person who performs the blood draw procedure and the patient should be posed with questions at in person check in time. The patient should never make the request known directly to the blood draw staff. Otherwise the front desk staff need to be informed on how to professional and tactfully communicate the patient's request to the lead medical staff. Don't make the situation awkward for either person.
July 24, 2025
4
Thankful.
June 12, 2025
4
1) Front desk person needs to speak clearly through entire instructions and not let voice drop. 2) If wait takes longer than 30 minutes to see the doctor, patient should be offered an option to reschedule (without a fee being charged). 3) Doctor notes should be seen by front desk staff when patient has a preference as to the person who performs the blood draw procedure and the patient should be posed with questions at in person check in time. The patient should never make the request known directly to the blood draw staff. Otherwise the front desk staff need to be informed on how to professional and tactfully communicate the patient's request to the lead medical staff. Don't make the situation awkward for either person.
July 24, 2025
4
Thankful.
June 12, 2025
5
Wellstar staff members are always courteous, friendly, efficient and professional!
September 26, 2025
5
Dr. S. Hariharan & her staff are wonderful I would not trade not one of them just loving caring people.
September 25, 2025
5
Words can't describe how professional, and knowledgeable, and kind everyone was. You took excellent care of me. And you saved my life in the most caring way. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
September 13, 2025
5
Great staff!!
September 13, 2025
5
I have been under Dr. Harriane for a little over a year. I always felt like she's done great. I always felt like she has a great staff. She's very respectable. To me, her staff is also, and it just gives me a little smile whenever I see her because I know she's going to be truthful. before diagnosed.
September 12, 2025
5
Hi. Dr. Harry Heron has been my doctor for the past almost a decade. I've been seeing her and I have recommended family members and friends to her. She's excellent. She's just excellent. I love her. It's an appointment, a medical appointment, but I really enjoy seeing her when I do. She always has a positive outcome and input in my care. And I feel like she cares about me and I feel sure that she cares about me and how I go about my directions with prescriptions and all of that. She's a very, very good doctor. I really enjoy her and recommend her to everyone that I come in contact with and need her.
September 5, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan is amazing!! Wonderful personality, highly impressive knowledge in the field of medical oncology, and well versed on each patient's individual treatment goals.
August 29, 2025
5
Dr Hariharan and the ancillary staff are amazing! They are caring, compassionate and open to answering questions.
August 23, 2025
5
Very fast being seen. Left feeling better
August 22, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan and her team are nothing short of amazing. Thank you for always treating me with such respect and care. You all are the best-don't ever forget that!
August 13, 2025
5
I have trusted Dr Hariharan with my life! She is knowledgeable and kind, but she is also honest about my cancer. I trust her to guide me thru my journey.
August 10, 2025
5
I have been a patient for about 18 years receiving excellent medical treatment from my doctor and all medical professionals. I would highly recommend my doctor and this medical team to others.
August 1, 2025
5
Through my cancer journey I have been blessed with the best providers. They have been thorough, answering any and all questions and made me feel at ease. Dr Hariharan is fantastic!
August 1, 2025
5
Doctor and staff were awesome
July 31, 2025
5
Very pleased with DrHariharan Im always happy to see her
July 26, 2025
5
The entire process was like clockwork. No problems. Thank you
July 26, 2025
5
Every one was awesome thank you for caring
July 13, 2025
5
This doctor and the entire staff are like family when I was receiving chemotherapy. The absolute best practice for oncology!!
July 12, 2025
5
Outstanding
June 15, 2025
5
Outstanding experience.
June 12, 2025
5
The Staff and medical staff, plus drs ARE VERY KIND!!! I Appreciate That!!
June 7, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan professionalism and knowledge is outmatched! What makes her so special to me is that she leads with the heart. Dr. Hariharan. Thank you Dr. Hariharan for making my care plan for breast cancer be the best it could be! Also, I want to shout out the chemo nurses - they took great care of me and provided me education. This medical office should receive recognition from Wellstar!
May 25, 2025
5
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
5
They are wonderful.
May 15, 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
Wellstar staff members are always courteous, friendly, efficient and professional!
September 26, 2025
5
Dr. S. Hariharan & her staff are wonderful I would not trade not one of them just loving caring people.
September 25, 2025
5
Words can't describe how professional, and knowledgeable, and kind everyone was. You took excellent care of me. And you saved my life in the most caring way. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
September 13, 2025
5
Great staff!!
September 13, 2025
5
I have been under Dr. Harriane for a little over a year. I always felt like she's done great. I always felt like she has a great staff. She's very respectable. To me, her staff is also, and it just gives me a little smile whenever I see her because I know she's going to be truthful. before diagnosed.
September 12, 2025
5
Hi. Dr. Harry Heron has been my doctor for the past almost a decade. I've been seeing her and I have recommended family members and friends to her. She's excellent. She's just excellent. I love her. It's an appointment, a medical appointment, but I really enjoy seeing her when I do. She always has a positive outcome and input in my care. And I feel like she cares about me and I feel sure that she cares about me and how I go about my directions with prescriptions and all of that. She's a very, very good doctor. I really enjoy her and recommend her to everyone that I come in contact with and need her.
September 5, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan is amazing!! Wonderful personality, highly impressive knowledge in the field of medical oncology, and well versed on each patient's individual treatment goals.
August 29, 2025
5
Dr Hariharan and the ancillary staff are amazing! They are caring, compassionate and open to answering questions.
August 23, 2025
5
Very fast being seen. Left feeling better
August 22, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan and her team are nothing short of amazing. Thank you for always treating me with such respect and care. You all are the best-don't ever forget that!
August 13, 2025
5
I have trusted Dr Hariharan with my life! She is knowledgeable and kind, but she is also honest about my cancer. I trust her to guide me thru my journey.
August 10, 2025
5
I have been a patient for about 18 years receiving excellent medical treatment from my doctor and all medical professionals. I would highly recommend my doctor and this medical team to others.
August 1, 2025
5
Through my cancer journey I have been blessed with the best providers. They have been thorough, answering any and all questions and made me feel at ease. Dr Hariharan is fantastic!
August 1, 2025
5
Doctor and staff were awesome
July 31, 2025
5
Very pleased with DrHariharan Im always happy to see her
July 26, 2025
5
The entire process was like clockwork. No problems. Thank you
July 26, 2025
4
1) Front desk person needs to speak clearly through entire instructions and not let voice drop. 2) If wait takes longer than 30 minutes to see the doctor, patient should be offered an option to reschedule (without a fee being charged). 3) Doctor notes should be seen by front desk staff when patient has a preference as to the person who performs the blood draw procedure and the patient should be posed with questions at in person check in time. The patient should never make the request known directly to the blood draw staff. Otherwise the front desk staff need to be informed on how to professional and tactfully communicate the patient's request to the lead medical staff. Don't make the situation awkward for either person.
July 24, 2025
5
Every one was awesome thank you for caring
July 13, 2025
5
This doctor and the entire staff are like family when I was receiving chemotherapy. The absolute best practice for oncology!!
July 12, 2025
5
Outstanding
June 15, 2025
4
Thankful.
June 12, 2025
5
Outstanding experience.
June 12, 2025
5
The Staff and medical staff, plus drs ARE VERY KIND!!! I Appreciate That!!
June 7, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan professionalism and knowledge is outmatched! What makes her so special to me is that she leads with the heart. Dr. Hariharan. Thank you Dr. Hariharan for making my care plan for breast cancer be the best it could be! Also, I want to shout out the chemo nurses - they took great care of me and provided me education. This medical office should receive recognition from Wellstar!
May 25, 2025
5
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
5
They are wonderful.
May 15, 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
Caring & Professional as well. I consider all of the Doctors & Staff to be friends, and I thank them all!
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
5
They are wonderful.
May 15, 2025
5
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan professionalism and knowledge is outmatched! What makes her so special to me is that she leads with the heart. Dr. Hariharan. Thank you Dr. Hariharan for making my care plan for breast cancer be the best it could be! Also, I want to shout out the chemo nurses - they took great care of me and provided me education. This medical office should receive recognition from Wellstar!
May 25, 2025
5
The Staff and medical staff, plus drs ARE VERY KIND!!! I Appreciate That!!
June 7, 2025
4
Thankful.
June 12, 2025
5
Outstanding experience.
June 12, 2025
5
Outstanding
June 15, 2025
5
This doctor and the entire staff are like family when I was receiving chemotherapy. The absolute best practice for oncology!!
July 12, 2025
5
Every one was awesome thank you for caring
July 13, 2025
4
1) Front desk person needs to speak clearly through entire instructions and not let voice drop. 2) If wait takes longer than 30 minutes to see the doctor, patient should be offered an option to reschedule (without a fee being charged). 3) Doctor notes should be seen by front desk staff when patient has a preference as to the person who performs the blood draw procedure and the patient should be posed with questions at in person check in time. The patient should never make the request known directly to the blood draw staff. Otherwise the front desk staff need to be informed on how to professional and tactfully communicate the patient's request to the lead medical staff. Don't make the situation awkward for either person.
July 24, 2025
5
Very pleased with DrHariharan Im always happy to see her
July 26, 2025
5
The entire process was like clockwork. No problems. Thank you
July 26, 2025
5
Doctor and staff were awesome
July 31, 2025
5
Through my cancer journey I have been blessed with the best providers. They have been thorough, answering any and all questions and made me feel at ease. Dr Hariharan is fantastic!
August 1, 2025
5
I have been a patient for about 18 years receiving excellent medical treatment from my doctor and all medical professionals. I would highly recommend my doctor and this medical team to others.
August 1, 2025
5
I have trusted Dr Hariharan with my life! She is knowledgeable and kind, but she is also honest about my cancer. I trust her to guide me thru my journey.
August 10, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan and her team are nothing short of amazing. Thank you for always treating me with such respect and care. You all are the best-don't ever forget that!
August 13, 2025
5
Very fast being seen. Left feeling better
August 22, 2025
5
Dr Hariharan and the ancillary staff are amazing! They are caring, compassionate and open to answering questions.
August 23, 2025
5
Dr. Hariharan is amazing!! Wonderful personality, highly impressive knowledge in the field of medical oncology, and well versed on each patient's individual treatment goals.
August 29, 2025
5
Hi. Dr. Harry Heron has been my doctor for the past almost a decade. I've been seeing her and I have recommended family members and friends to her. She's excellent. She's just excellent. I love her. It's an appointment, a medical appointment, but I really enjoy seeing her when I do. She always has a positive outcome and input in my care. And I feel like she cares about me and I feel sure that she cares about me and how I go about my directions with prescriptions and all of that. She's a very, very good doctor. I really enjoy her and recommend her to everyone that I come in contact with and need her.
September 5, 2025
5
I have been under Dr. Harriane for a little over a year. I always felt like she's done great. I always felt like she has a great staff. She's very respectable. To me, her staff is also, and it just gives me a little smile whenever I see her because I know she's going to be truthful. before diagnosed.
September 12, 2025
5
Words can't describe how professional, and knowledgeable, and kind everyone was. You took excellent care of me. And you saved my life in the most caring way. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
September 13, 2025
5
Great staff!!
September 13, 2025
5
Dr. S. Hariharan & her staff are wonderful I would not trade not one of them just loving caring people.
September 25, 2025
5
Wellstar staff members are always courteous, friendly, efficient and professional!
September 26, 2025
Publications and Articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
