Piedmont Macon raises awareness during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Atallah developed a technique in 2009 called TAMIS, which is an operation that allows for the removal of rectal tumors without having to cut into the body.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon Medical Center is raising awareness and sharing resources with the community during March in recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

“We have come such a long way in the last 10, 20 years,” said Dr. Atallah. “Technologies really advanced in the operating room.”

Atallah added that with recent technology advancements, doctors are able to use robotics, laparoscopy and newer techniques.

“That means rather than big, up and down incisions like in the old days, we can now use very precise instruments through keyhole access points in the abdomen to get to tumors and take them out,” said Atallah.

Atallah developed a technique in 2009 called TAMIS, which is an operation that allows for the removal of rectal tumors without having to cut into the body.

“Colon cancer has emerged as the number one killer, cancer killer, of people under the age of 50,” said Atallah.

According to Dr. Same Atallah, a colorectal surgeon with Piedmont Macon Medical Center, people should get screened for colorectal cancer at age 45. The recommended age used to be 50, but as cases have grown, the recommendation has changed.