Jolene Hotovec, certified medical assistant at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine- Buena Vista, is grateful for the quality of care she received from Buena Vista Regional Medical Center during her colonoscopy and surgery. Now, Hotovec has one message for everyone, “Don’t ignore your colon.”
Working in the medical field, Hotovec sometimes felt that nothing ‘bad’ would happen to her. When her at-home colon cancer screening test detected that she was at risk for colon cancer, she began to look at things differently. She immediately scheduled her colonoscopy with Buena Vista General Surgery.
Although it was a scary time for her, Hotovec felt she was in good hands with the doctors and staff at Buena Vista General Surgery. “Dr. Dierking and Dr. Armstrong are very knowledgeable and caring,” says Hotovec.
During her colonoscopy, they discovered a polyp, a small growth, in her colon. Thankfully, her polyp came back as benign, meaning that it was non-cancerous. Hotovec was grateful that she didn’t wait longer to schedule her colonoscopy because she knows it could have been a different story.
After her colonoscopy, Hotovec received follow-up surgery through Buena Vista General Surgery. Based on the doctor’s recommendations to prevent future polyps, approximately six to eight inches of her colon was removed.
She expressed how she felt reassured knowing that she was receiving top-notch care at BVRMC with the convenience of staying within her community. “Patients don’t need to go anywhere else; they can receive quality care right here,” says Hotovec.
Hotovec understands that talking about colonoscopies is uncomfortable. However, after her experience, she has become a strong advocate for colonoscopies and encourages her family, friends and coworkers to call their doctors to schedule theirs.
“Colonoscopies are an important part of your health screenings,” says Hotovec. “I’m so thankful I scheduled mine when I did.”
According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States. With regular screenings, patients can detect cancer at early stages. Approximately 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented with screenings. If you are over the age of 45, talk to your doctor about scheduling your colonoscopy.
“Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent of all cancers,” says BVRMC Director of Same Day Surgery and Endoscopy Julie Anderson. “During a colonoscopy screening, we are able to remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Screenings can also find colon cancer early when treatment works best.”
“If you are 45 or older, please schedule your colonoscopy screening. The Endoscopy Department at BVRMC is happy to help you!” expresses Anderson.
