Sam Simon, the co-creator of The Simpsons, was diagnosed earlier this year with colon cancer and in May was given three to six months to live by his doctors. The 58-year-old television writer-producer—who became a showrunner on Taxi, maintains an executive producer credit on The Simpsons and served as a director on The Drew Carey Show—has decided to make the best of his remaining months by giving back.
In the midst of his colon cancer diagnosis, Simon has set his sights on philanthropic work, stating, “One thing is, I get pleasure from it. I love it. I don’t feel like it is an obligation.” In the spirit of giving back, Simon is focusing on donating to charities that do direct good, such as animal rights groups like PETA, Save the Children and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He is also the founder of the Sam Simon Foundation, established in 2002, which rescues stray animals and feeds vegan meals to the hungry.
At the Colonoscopy Center of Excellence, our physicians strive to provide excellent patient care alongside the most cutting-edge colonoscopy techniques available in Los Angeles. Additionally, they specialize in colon cancer prevention. If you’re concerned about colon cancer or your colorectal health, the most important thing you can do is schedule an appointment with our colonoscopy specialists in Los Angeles.
Colon Cancer Facts and Prevention in Los Angeles
Simon represents a population of people at a greater risk of developing colon cancer – males above the age of 50. Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among American women and men. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that 103,170 new cases of colon cancer occur each year and lists colon cancer as the second leading causes of cancer death in the U.S. Some specific populations have a higher risk of developing colon cancer:
- Men have a slightly higher risk of getting colon cancer than women.
- Among ethnic groups, African Americans are more likely to develop the disease.
- People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk.
It is possible for anyone to develop colon cancer at some point in his or her lifetime. However, knowing your colon cancer risk factors can help you make important screening decisions and reduce your chances of getting colon cancer in the future. Based on your risk factors, a colonoscopy in Los Angeles can be an important step in colon cancer prevention.
Getting a Colonoscopy in Los Angeles
A colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and a preventative procedure that can help doctors identify and remove pre-cancerous polyps, and in turn prevent you from developing cancer in the future. The doctors at the Colonoscopy Center of Excellence, in accordance with the American Cancer Society, recommend that patients with no additional risk factors or family history of colon cancer have their first colonoscopies at age 50. For patients with a family history of colon cancer, it’s important to begin screening at an age ten years prior to the one at which a relative was diagnosed. For example, if a patient’s relative was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 50, we recommend that he undergo a first colonoscopy at age 40.
Contact a Colonoscopy Specialist in Los Angeles
If you think you may be at risk for colon cancer, or if you have concerns about your colorectal health, don’t hesitate to contact the colorectal surgeons at La Peer Health Systems’ Colon Cancer Center of Excellence. Call (888) 837-0459 for an appointment.
Next, learn about prepping for a colonoscopy.