AO’s Gynecologic Oncology Care Team – from back left, clockwise: Nicole Wolbert, FNP-C; Alayna Whitten; Courtney Miller; Buffy Butler.

Nurse Practitioner Nicole Wolbert, FNP-C, leads Augusta Oncology’s gynecologic oncology team, which includes medical assistants Alayna Whitten, Buffy Butter, and Courtney Miller.  As women who are caring for female patients with gynecologic cancers, the team agrees:  it’s so important to stay mindful of your body’s health.

“I definitely make sure to get my annual Pap smear; don’t mess around with that,” said Alayna Whitten.

AO’s Gynecologic Oncology department treats cancers that affect the female reproductive system, including vaginal, uterine, ovarian, vulvar, and cervical cancers.

The gynecologic oncology team supports AO’s four gynecological oncologists, or “gyn oncs.”  Gyn oncs Dr. Sharad Ghamande, Dr. Bunja Rungruang, Dr. Robert Higgins, and Dr. Marian Symmes Johnson hold clinic at Augusta Oncology’s downtown location.

An STI that Can Cause Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).  It’s estimated that nearly everyone who is sexually active has been exposed to a strain of the virus at some point.

There are many different types of HPV, including several strains that can lead to reproductive cancers like cervical cancer.  These cancers can take years to develop, long after someone has contracted HPV.  “It can lie dormant, and then come up,” said Nicole.  “It’s a complicated condition.”

But HPV-related cancers are significantly more treatable when they found and treated early.

Once a Year, In the Clear

The gyn-onc team agrees: you must prioritize your annual gyn appointment.

Are you busy?  Of course.  Are there are other ways you’d probably rather be spending your time?  Without a doubt.  But the hour or so you have to sacrifice once a year to help ensure a healthy reproductive system is more than worth it.

And don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back.  “You’d be amazed at how many people just ignore little lumps and bumps,” said Nicole.  “Or they might brush it off, like, ‘maybe it’s just a razor bump,'” said Alayna.  If you do have an area that you’re concerned about, the earlier you get seen, the better.  Waiting can exacerbate the issue and make the problem worse.

Be Your Own Advocate

While it’s important to receive regular medical care from a provider you trust, it’s equally important to trust your instincts.

The team shared an example of a female patient (being treated at a different practice) who discovered a lesion on her vulva area.  The patient’s medical provider told her that they would continue to keep an eye on the lesion.  But that’s not good enough, said Nicole.  “Tell them to take it off and biopsy it.”  Ultimately, the patient’s lesion was removed and was in fact a cause for concern.

Don’t minimize any pains or ailments that you experience.  It’s important to “know what’s normal for you,” said Buffy Butler.   “Know your body.”

Take a Good Look in the Mirror

The most effective way to know what’s normal for your body is to make sure you’re familiar with it.  Yes, that means you need to get up close and personal “down there.”

“Just like performing self-breast exams,” explained Courtney Miller, it’s crucial to carefully check out the external parts of your body’s reproductive system.  “Just check things out down there every now and then, and make sure everything is okay.”   Once a month, grab a hand mirror – you can even use the reversible camera on your cell phone.  Find some good lighting, and spend a few minutes examining your pelvic region carefully.  Some women even get their partner to assist to make it easier.

Remember that, like your fingerprints, your body is unique.  Your parts aren’t going to look the same as everyone else’s.  What’s typical for someone else might not be typical for you.  However, “if you know what it looks like,” said Nicole, “if something does change, you’ll be the first to know.”

A Vaccine that Could Prevent Cervical Cancer

While cancer isn’t curable, there is now a vaccine that could potentially make some types of cancer preventable.  The vaccine can prevent many cases of cervical cancer, but it does need to be administered before the patient is potentially exposed to HPV.  This is why the Center for Disease Control recommends that girls and boys aged 11 to 12 should be given the HPV vaccine.

It’s important to note, however, that adults as old as 45 who have already had HPV can still benefit from getting the vaccine, as it could protect you from additional virus strains.

Learn more about vaccines for HPV here.

In Summary:  Cervical Cancer Awareness

Cervical cancer awareness goes beyond completing your annual gyn exam – though that’s very important, too.  You must check your modesty at the door and get familiar with your body:  examine it regularly.  Advocate for your own health, and speak up about any concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem.  Look into your options with HPV vaccination.

Above all, remember to stay observant and consistent with monitoring your health — not just during Cervical Cancer Awareness month, but every month!

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Miriam Atkins, MD, FACP, Elected President of COA

The Community Oncology Alliance (COA), a non-profit organization singularly dedicated to advocating for community oncology practices and the patients they serve, is pleased to announce the election of new and re-appointed members to the COA Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Miriam Atkins, MD, FACP, was elected as COA president. Dr. Atkins is a board-certified medical oncologist who practices at AO Multispecialty Clinic in Augusta, GA. Prior to becoming president, Atkins served on the COA Board for several years and as vice president for the past two years. She also serves as the Co-Chair for the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN), a national advocacy organization committed to raising awareness of independent, community cancer care centers and how national and local health care policy issues may affect patient care.

“I am honored to be chosen as COA’s next president,” said Atkins. “It is the opportunity to contribute to the mission of COA and support community oncology as it grows. We are the best, most affordable, and closest site of care for the majority of Americans. I am thrilled at how far COA has come over the past 20 years. We will continue working to reach even greater heights for our members and the patients they serve.”

In addition to electing Dr. Atkins as COA president, the Board also voted on the positions of vice president and secretary. Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, was elected to the position of vice president, and S. McDonald Wade III, MD, as secretary. Patt from Texas Oncology and Wade from the Virginia Cancer Institute serve on the COA Board and for the past two years as secretary and officer-at-large, respectively.

The majority of Americans battling cancer receive treatment in the independent, community setting. Ensuring the vitality of the community cancer care system is critical to ensuring patients can continue to access affordable, accessible, and local cancer care, close to where they live and work. COA’s officers, committees, and board members further its mission to protect and foster the community oncology delivery system in the United States through public policy, advocacy, and education.

The COA Board is comprised of volunteer representatives from community oncology, who direct the management of COA by its executive director. Voting on returning board members and new directors was conducted on Monday, December 5, 2023. All director positions are 3-year terms and will be effective January 1, 2023.

The following individuals were re-elected to serve another term on the COA Board:

1. Stuart Genshaw, MHA, MBA, Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan (MI)
2. Rich Ingram, MD, Shenandoah Oncology (VA)
3. Gary Kay, MD, Northwest Oncology & Hematology, S.C. (IL)
4. Ed Licitra, MD, PhD, Astera Health Partners/Astera Cancer Care (NJ)
5. Todd O’Connell, MS, CMPE, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NY)
6. Kashyap Patel, MD, Carolina Blood & Cancer Care Associates (SC)
7. Jennifer Pichoske, MS, AOCNP, Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York (NY)
8. Alti Rahman, MHA/MBA, CSSBB, Oncology Consultants (TX)
9. Ravi Rao, MD, cCare (CA)
10. Marissa Rivera, MBA, Ventura County Hematology Oncology Specialists (CA)

The following individuals were elected to serve a first-time term on the COA Board:

1. Glenn Balasky, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (CO)
2. Pareshkumar Patel, MD, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FL)
3. Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA, Tennessee Oncology (TN)

The following individuals were elected to serve as officers of COA on the Executive Committee for 2023:

1. Dr. Miriam Atkins, MD, FACP, AO Multispecialty Clinic (President)
2. Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, Texas Oncology (Vice President)
3. S. McDonald Wade III, MD, Virginia Cancer Institute (Secretary)
4. Kashyap Patel, MD, Carolina Blood & Cancer Care Associates (Immediate Past President)
5. Mike Diaz, MD, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (Past President)
6. Jeff Vacirca, MD, FACP, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (Past President)
7. Dave Eagle, MD, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (Past President)
8. Jeff Patton, MD, OneOncology (Officer-at-Large)
9. Barbara McAneny, MD, New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants (Officer-at-Large)
10. Ricky Newton, CPA, COA (Treasurer; ex officio)
11. Ted Okon, COA (Executive Director; ex officio)

All officer positions are one-year terms beginning on January 1, 2023. As full-time employees of COA, Messrs. Okon and Newton serve as ex officio, non-voting members on the Executive Committee.

A list of current officers and board members can be viewed online at https://communityoncology.org/about-coa/officers-and-board/. The website will be updated with the new members in 2023.

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About the Community Oncology Alliance: COA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for community oncology practices and, most importantly, the patients they serve. COA is the only organization dedicated solely to community oncology where the majority of Americans with cancer are treated. The mission of COA is to ensure that patients with cancer receive quality, affordable, and accessible cancer care in their own communities. More than 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every day and deaths from the disease have been steadily declining due to earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Learn more at www.CommunityOncology.org. Follow COA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/oncologyCOA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CommunityOncologyAlliance.

[Press Release originally posted on Community Oncology Alliance (CMA)]

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Hydrate

Drink fluids on a regular schedule.  An intake of about six to eight 8-ounce glasses of total fluid per day is recommended.  (And ideally, of course, that fluid should be water!)  Both too much and too little fluid intake can increase bladder problems, so aim for about 40 to 64 ounces each day.

Avoid Problematic Food & Drinks

Some foods and drinks are known to increase bladder irritation.  If you have bladder problems, it’s especially important to avoid caffeine.  This includes coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and even some medicines.  It’s also a good idea to avoid artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin, acids (such as those in citrus fruits and tomatoes), alcohol, and very spicy foods.

Urinate Frequently

A planned schedule for urinating, such as every two hours during the day, may work better than waiting until you feel you have to go.  This is especially true if you have trouble getting to the bathroom due to arthritis or back pain or if you need to use a cane or walker.  Exercises to help balance and strengthen may also help with bladder control.

When you go, be sure to sit and relax in order to pass urine.  If you feel your bladder isn’t emptying well, double voiding may help:  stand after you urinate, and sit again to go a second time.  But take care not to strain or push to empty your bladder!

Reduce Pelvic Pressure

It’s important to decrease pressure on the pelvis.  Be sure to seek treatment if you have a persistent cough, repeated sneezing, or constipation that lasts longer than a few weeks, as these all can place unnecessary strain on the pelvic region.  It’s also a good idea to maintain a healthy weight using exercise and a healthy diet.  And of course, don’t smoke!

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History of The Miracle Mile Walk

The idea of the Miracle Mile Walk was born in 2001 when Queenie Jones, a former University Health Care Foundation board member, dreamt of starting a walk in our city to raise awareness and money to help in the fight against breast cancer.
The inaugural walk in 2001 was only a mile long, hosted less than one hundred walkers, and raised three thousand dollars.  Years later, the Walk has grown to attract thousands of participants on a 3-mile route.

Fundraising:  Be a Part of the Miracle

Hosted by University Health Care Foundation, the Miracle Mile Drive is a fundraiser supporting University Hospital’s Randy W. Cooper, M.D., Center for Breast Health Services and the Women’s Wellness on Wheels mobile unit.  We absolutely love how the center and mobile unit offer critical  screenings to women in our area, regardless of anyone’s ability to pay.
One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the event stay right here in our local community.  And we’re thrilled that this year’s Miracle Mile Drive raised several hundred thousand dollars for this incredibly worthy cause!

Let’s Be Heroes Together!

Want to donate or even start a team for the 2022 event?   Visit the Miracle Mile Walk website to get updates on the upcoming event season, fundraising ideas, ways to connect with others who’ve been touched by breast cancer, and more.  However you choose to participate, thank you for joining us in the fight against breast cancer.  Let’s make more survivors!

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History of Relay for Life

Relay For Life began in May 1985.  Surgeon Dr. Gordy Klatt sought out a new way to raise awareness and raise more money for local cancer research. He walked around a track for 24 hours and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay For Life events have taken place across America and multiple other countries. However, unlike many other cancer walks, Relay For Life focuses on all types of cancer.  Ultimately, every type of cancer is recognized, as RFL honors every survivor.

Fundraising:  Where Does the Money Go?

Money raised from Relay For Life events goes toward research, prevention, detection, education, and patient support.  In addition, funds have gone toward research grants, patient transportation for cancer treatments, and patient lodging. Moreover, because of the research possible from funding and the increased accessibility of cancer treatment and education, the American Cancer Society has recorded a 20% decline in cancer related deaths since 1991. As the Augusta RFL falls in June, it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate Cancer Survivor Awareness Month.

Get Involved!

The American Cancer Society is already gearing up for the 2022 Relay for Life event!  So, if you’re looking for a way to get involved, check out Relay Connect.
This helpful website provides updates on the upcoming event season, fundraising ideas, ways to connect with others in the RFL community, and more.  However you choose to participate, ask your friends and family to join you!  More people means more power to raise awareness and fight cancer.
If you’re an AO Multispecialty Clinic cancer survivor, we want you on our team!   You can even create your own fundraising team to start raising lifesaving funds for cancer research.  The American Cancer Society makes it easy to get involved and make a difference.

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The Halfway Mark

It’s estimated that half of all adults in the United States have already gotten as least one Covid-19 shot.  That’s almost 130 million Americans who will soon be able to:

• Gather indoors without masks with other people who are also fully vaccinated,
• Gather indoors with unvaccinated people (of any age) from one other household without masks,
• And travel throughout the United States without being tested after travel or having to self-quarantine.

We’ve made great progress, but there’s still more work to do!  Please do your part by getting your first shot scheduled today.

Finding Your Vaccine

There are several helpful resources that will enable you to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination nearly anywhere in the CSRA, including for South Carolina residents.  Using your computer, tablet or smartphone, please visit one of the following websites to get started:
Because the URL of these websites can be a bit tricky to remember, we’ve linked them here for your convenience:

• VaccineFinder.org
• COVID19.ECPHD.com
• VaxLocator.DHEC.SC.gov

Need a Hand?

Do you need assistance getting your vaccination scheduled?  AO Multispecialty Clinic is here to help you!  We want to do everything we can to help as many people as possible receive their vaccinations.  Please let us know if you’d like a team member to assist you and we’d be more than glad to lend a hand.

Protect Yourself, Protect Others

Ending the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic requires everyone to do their part.  Vaccination is an important tool in helping to stop the pandemic.
Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself and others safe!

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Meet Miriam Atkins, MD

Dr. Miriam Atkins has been an invaluable part of AO Multispecialty Clinic, the only privately-owned Oncology group in Augusta, since 2000.  Also, she is very active in the community and holds numerous leadership positions on local boards and at the hospitals in Augusta.
Dr. Atkins has served as Chairperson of the University Hospital Cancer Committee, University Hospital Network Composition and Growth Committee, and the University HealthLink Credentials Committee.
At this time, Dr. Atkins is currently President-elect of the Medical Staff at University Hospital, and a Board member of the Patient Access Network Foundation, an organization that helps patients with co-pays for medications. Dr. Atkins also serves as Medical Co-Chair for the Community Oncology Alliance’s Patient Advocacy (CPAN) section.
Without a doubt, Dr. Atkins is a long-time cancer care advocate.  She has a passion for maintaining community oncology and healthcare government reform.  In addition, she has been an active member of COA since its inception.
“This organization has grown from a small group of individuals to one of the most respected healthcare advocacy groups,” said Dr. Atkins. “We are on Capitol Hill and in the community… Our goal is to do everything we can to keep physician-owned oncology practices viable and thriving and to advocate for patients by meeting with our elected officials.”

The Future of Cancer Care in America

As Vice President of COA, Dr. Atkins will play an essential role in helping shape the future of the United States cancer care system. In short, the goal is ensuring every patient facing cancer can access local, affordable, and high-quality cancer care close to where they work and live. Community Oncology Alliance elected officials volunteer their time to guide COA’s policy stances and practice initiatives.
Dr. Atkins’s expertise and insight will be a valuable asset in COA’s long-standing collaboration with federal policymakers and agencies.  Furthermore, her leadership will help continue patient education and advocacy through the organization’s many initiatives.

The Importance of the Community Oncology Alliance and its Advocacy

Most people in the United States who are being treated for cancer receive their treatment in the community setting.  For this reason, the vitality of the community cancer care delivery system is critical for patient well-being.  The officers, committees, and board members of the Community Oncology Alliance all work together to further the organization’s mission.  Above all, that mission is to protect & foster the community oncology delivery system in our country through public policy, advocacy, and education.
Unquestionably, it’s important to make your voice heard!  Learn more about how patients and their families can support COA’s missions through COA’s Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN).  Please visit:  https://coaadvocacy.org/ to find out more.

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AO Multispecialty Clinic is excited to welcome Dr. Jeremy Wells to our team of board-certified physicians. At

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Entirely free & online Community Oncology Advocacy Summit

AO Multispecialty Clinic would like to invite cancer advocates, patients, survivors, caregivers and practicing health care professionals to the Virtual Community Oncology Advocacy Summit on July 15, 2020. Throughout the full day of the Virtual COA Summit you will hear from national experts in community oncology who have taken on the challenges of COVID-19. The coronavirus has disrupted every aspect of cancer care from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, but cancer hasn’t slowed down yet, and neither have the community oncology practices.
Effective advocacy begins with education, and the Virtual COA Summit will provide a comprehensive look at the issues impacting cancer in the present and in the future.

This live event will take place on Wed., July 15, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. E.T.

You’re invited to the Virtual Community Oncology Advocacy Summit on July 15, 2020. If you’re interested in viewing, you can register for free and access the entire Advocacy Summit by clicking here.

The Virtual Community Oncology Alliance CPAN Advocacy Summit:

• July 15, 2020 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET

• Registration is FREE

• Anyone can participate

• The Summit can be viewed at any time by those who register BEFORE the event

 
AO Multispecialty Clinic is proud to actively be involved in the Community Oncology Alliance and encourage the active participation of our patients as well. This non-profit organization advocates for community-based oncology practices and most importantly, the patients they serve. The COA is the only organization dedicated solely to community oncology where the majority of Americans with cancer are treated.
The mission of COA is to ensure that cancer patients receive quality, affordable, and accessible cancer care in their own communities. More than 1.5 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year and deaths from the disease have been steadily declining due to earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment. Cancer treatment can be intense and span many years requiring regular physician visits for chemotherapy and checkups. Keeping patients close to their homes, families and support networks lessens the burden of this devastating disease. With the majority of Americans battling cancer receiving treatment in the community setting, it is imperative that the vitality of the community cancer care delivery system be preserved.
The Community Oncology Alliance helps advocate for much-needed policy changes with the goal of shaping a future where all Americans have access to quality, affordable cancer care.
AO Multispecialty Clinic is proud to offer our patients and anyone interested access to this free Virtual Community Oncology Alliance Advocacy Summit on July 15, 2020. 

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Chemotherapy may destroy your cancer, but it doesn’t have to destroy your hair.

• Reduced blood flow

• Vasoconstriction in the scalp area limits the amount of chemotherapy agent delivered to the hair follicles.

• Reduced metabolism

• Lower scalp temperature decreases the reaction rate causing normal cellular activity in the localized scalp area to slow dramatically.

With these two reactions, the follicles absorb fewer chemotherapy agents and hair loss is significantly reduced.
Patients who choose to use scalp cooling typically do so for reasons related to protecting privacy, preserving dignity, supporting self-esteem and maintaining control over some aspect of their treatment. However, in the U.S., scalp cooling is not yet universally covered by insurance, but some patients are receiving reimbursement at varying levels. Updates regarding DigniCap and insurance coverage is posted at www.dignicap.com/insurance.
What should I expect if I use the DigniCap?
The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System consists of a snug-fitting cooling cap connected to a cooling and control unit which circulates coolant through channels located in the DigniCap. An outer cap is also worn to insulate the cool temperatures and ensure a snug, custom fit.
The cap is worn during the chemotherapy infusion and for a period of time afterwards. (Typically 90-180 minutes depending on drug and dose.)
Why is scalp cooling important?
A patient’s hair can be a major part of her identity. For many, it is an unwelcome reminder of disease that can negatively affect self-image, confidence, overall sense of well-being and a patient’s attitude towards treatment. With the DigniCap now available at AO Multispecialty Clinic, you have the opportunity to take action to manage hair loss during chemotherapy.
“After four rounds of AC (Adriamycin/Cytoxan) and 12 rounds rounds of Pacliitaxel in 135 days, I’ve finished chemo and saved my hair with DigniCap.” – Monika Dockendorf, Washington DC
Maintain your privacy, self-esteem and control throughout chemotherapy treatment with DigniCap at AO Multispecialty Clinic. Call or visit our website to learn more today. 

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