Piedmont Oncology has formed a colorectal cancer steering committee in an effort to improve high-quality care, innovative research opportunities and program development in a systemwide oncology care approach across Georgia.

“We are creating a unified front to defeat colorectal cancer,” Whitaker Endowed Chief of Piedmont Oncology Wally Curran, M.D., says. “Our hope is this approach sparks a developed vision to create partnerships with industry, foundations, donors and academia to advance Piedmont Oncology’s programs and services.”

The steering committee is made up of oncology specialists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, primary care providers and supportive services team members from across Piedmont’s 26-hospital system. Below are the providers on the committee. Andy Pippas, M.D., of Piedmont Columbus and Ankar Goelm M.D., of Piedmont Augusta are the co-chairs of this steering committee.

• Ibrahim Adamu, M.D., (Piedmont Newnan)

• Dennis Choat, M.D., (Piedmont Fayette)

• Jennifer Cronin, M.D., (Piedmont Henry)

• Evan Feldman, M.D., (Piedmont Atlanta)

• Ankur Goel, M.D., (Piedmont Augusta)

• Paul Joyner, M.D., (Piedmont Atlanta)

• Hope Rasque, M.D., (Piedmont Rockdale)

• William Taylor, M.D., (Piedmont Columbus)

• Chukwuma Ndibe, M.D., (Piedmont Newton)

• Andrew Pippas, M.D., (John B. Amos Cancer Center- Piedmont Columbus)

• Eiran Warner, M.D., (Piedmont Atlanta)

• John Geisley, M.D., (Piedmont Henry)

• Lee Kahn, M.D., (Piedmont Atlanta)

• Ekinadese Aburime, M.D., (Piedmont Rockdale)

• Hitesh Chokshi, M.D., (Piedmont Henry)

• Loida Bonney, M.D., (Piedmont Physicians)

• Johnson Liou, M.D., (Piedmont Atlanta)

Piedmont Oncology recently welcomed three colorectal cancer surgeons to expand access to care: Jennifer Cronin, M.D., at Piedmont Henry, Hope Rasque, M.D., at Piedmont Rockdale and Nathalie Mantilla, M.D., at Piedmont Augusta.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

“It is projected that the state of Georgia will have a 21 percent increase of colorectal cancer diagnoses in 5 years, and that number increases to 43 percent in 10 years,” Dr. Curran says.

The American Cancer Society recommends people start regular screenings at age 45 and continue through age 75. People at high-risk based on family history or other factors should start before age 45.

Visit Piedmont.org/cancer for more information about cancer care and supportive services at Piedmont.