When you hear the phrase “people person” many Storm Lakers would say Bud Hott would make the top ten list. For over 45 years he has helped people while shopping at Hy-Vee. Helping people is what Bud is all about and if his story can help just one of you he wants to share.
“When I reached the age of 50 my wife encouraged me to get my first colonoscopy and I thought I don’t want to go through the prep or procedure,” says Bud. “I learned the procedure isn’t anything I can’t handle and is actually better than getting the flu.”
Since the age of 50, Bud has scheduled a colonoscopy every year. His mom and other family members have fought and some have died from colon cancer. He chooses annual colonoscopies because of family history and he frequently has colorectal polyps, which can develop into cancer but are often removed during the exam. Most people without this history only need one every 10 years, starting at age 50.
He chooses to have his procedures at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. Bud says, “The BVRMC staff is really good and takes care of all your needs. Based on my history I’m sure I would be dead by now without these screenings. Having a colonoscopy and finding out the results actually relaxes me by knowing I’m ok.”
While you typically look to Bud to help find that one last thing on your grocery list, he also wants to help you from getting colon cancer.
“It’s a silent disease, my loved ones didn’t feel sick or knew when they were in the beginning stages of colon cancer,” says Bud. “The screening is not as hard as people think, especially if it can save your life.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates, in 2019 there will be 101,420 new cases of colon cancer and 44,180 new cases of rectal cancer. The lifetime risk for men is 1 in 22 and women is 1 in 24 people will have colorectal cancer. It is the second most common cancer death.
The death rate for colorectal cancer has been dropping over time thanks to screenings and advancements in treatments, the key remains to catch cancer at its earliest stage. If a polyp is discovered during a colonoscopy the doctor can often remove it during the procedure. Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that often look like small flat bumps. A polyp can sometimes develop into cancer.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer can actually be prevented with regular colonoscopy screening.
Director of Same Day Surgery/Endo Julie Anderson encourages everyone to get screened, she says, “If you or someone you care about are over 50 and have not been screened please contact your family doctor and have a colonoscopy scheduled. The BVRMC Endoscopy Department is happy to help you with this simple life saving test.”