Get screened, stay strong: The cancers we don’t talk about
Presented by Novant Health
Early detection and expert care can make all the difference in fighting “below the belt” cancers. | Photo provided by Novant Health
Cancers below the belt often fly under the radar: cervical, prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancers. Novant Health is helping raise awareness and rewrite the narrative with expert care, early screenings, and life-saving treatments.
Why Pap tests matter
“Having an abnormal Pap doesn’t mean you have cancer,” said Dr. Savannah Peña of Novant Health Mintview OB/GYN - Ballantyne. “It means we need to look closer.”
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which makes regular screening essential. Thanks to Pap tests, cervical cancer deaths have dropped sharply since the 1970s.
Dr. Peña’s reminder: Screening saves lives — don’t skip your Pap test. Schedule yours.
Colorectal cancer: Innovation extends life
Colorectal cancer is another “below the belt” cancer that’s easier to beat when caught early. At Novant Health, patients benefit from advanced, comprehensive care that includes minimally invasive robotic surgeries and customized treatment plans. For patients like Bob Drawdy, those innovations changed everything. After his rectal cancer diagnosis, Bob gained years of life thanks to timely treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy, along with expert guidance from Novant Health oncologists.
Prostate cancer
Since early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, PSA testing plays a vital role in detection. For men facing advanced disease, modern treatments can extend life and ease symptoms.
Dr. Kuykendal’s reminder: “Don’t wait — talk with your doctor about prostate cancer screening.”
Proactive steps for everyone
“Below the belt” cancers can impact anyone, and screenings make all the difference. PSA blood tests help detect prostate cancer early, self-exams are key to catching testicular cancer in young men, and Pap tests remain critical for women starting at age 21. Staying proactive today can mean more years of health and hope tomorrow.
Polling places will be open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day in Mecklenburg County.
Photo via Mecklenburg County
Tomorrow, Sept. 9, is Charlotte’s primary election, where voters will make decisions on local taxes, trash services, and city representatives. If you plan to vote, be sure to visit your assigned polling place, which will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Results will be certified by Tuesday, Sept. 16. Mark your calendar. The municipal general election for all other towns in Mecklenburg County, including Charlotte, will be Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Events
Events
Monday, Sept. 8
“Your Mouth, Our Problem” with Shameless Improv | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Tip Top Daily Market | $8 | Share a chaotic story or confession — the troupe will take your tale and act it out in an improvised play.
Tuesday, Sept. 9
Blood Drive | 1-5 p.m. | Novant Health | Free | Recognize Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month by donating blood to help people living with the disease.
Ribbon Cutting | 2-3 p.m. | Elliano’s Coffee, Mooresville | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the opening of this new coffee shop with 50% off all food and drinks.
Get Mahj’N: Beginner Series | 7-8:30 p.m. | Gourmand Market | $65 | Sign up for this three-part series to play mahjong with new friends.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Chocolate & Cocktail Class | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Dram & Draught | $47+ | Get your ticket to sample three Maker’s Mark cocktails paired with chocolate.
WDAV’s Reel Music Film Series: “Pipe Dreams” | 7-9:30 p.m. | Independent Picture House | $10 | Spend a night at the movies watching this documentary that follows five young organists as they compete in a prestigious competition.
Thursday, Sept. 11
“Beetlejuice” | Thursday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Various times | Belk Theater | $40+ | Grab a themed dinner at The Asbury before enjoying opening night of this comedic classic.
Cheers to taking beach vacations, year-round. | Photo provided by Wilmington, NC & Beaches
Like a bowl of chili and pumpkin-scented candles — some fall favorites are classics for a reason. But this season, consider an unexpected way to curate your cozy vibes and discover new fall traditions along the coast.
Bowling, arcade games, or swimming in an indoor pool — all are amenities available in this South Charlotte home. The three-story brick and stone home also boasts five bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and a four-car garage. Ready to move in?
Announced
The owner behind Brigid’s Irish Pub in South End will open a second location in NoDa, according to a post by @JasonThomasCLT and @cltdevelopment. Fenian’s Keep Irish Pub will share the building with Waterbean Coffee on East 36th Street and only serve drinks. An opening date remains TBA.
Closed
Middle James Brewing is closing its location at the Powerhouse in Rock Hill. A reason for the closure was not given. Its locations in Waxhaw and Pineville are still open.
Development
Red Bull, Rauch North America, and Ball Corp. will break ground tomorrow, Sept. 9, on a $1.5 billion manufacturing hub at The Grounds at Concord — a project that’s been on hold since 2021. The new facility is expected to create 700 jobs. An opening date is TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Edu
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools unveiled a new student-run café in Uptown. The Metro School Café will employ students living with cognitive disabilities to prepare food, manage operations, and gain experience in the workforce. Check out the opening. (WCNC)
Listen
Did you hear? WFNZ 92.7 FM is now Charlotte’s ESPN Radio station. The move comes after 730 The Game rebranded as InsideTheGame.bet. The new station is expected to blend ESPN’s national lineup with local sports talk. (The Charlotte Observer)
Family
Got dinner plans? Bring the family to The Goodyear House, where children eat free every Tuesday. The menu includes a burger, chicken, and pasta — plus, kids can enjoy the outdoor games, like bocce and cornhole.
Sports
Who has the higher ceiling between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller? Go beyond the hardwood for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Sometimes the biggest medical breakthroughs aren’t new tools or drugs, but challenges to the status quo. OrthoCarolina Research Institute is an independent nonprofit that moves orthopedics forward by doing just that — to help patients like you. See their research in action.*
Wellness
Overwhelmed by today’s contradictory nutrition advice? Cut through the noise + find a dietician with Nourish — 94% of patients pay $0 out of pocket. Hello, personalized nutrition plan.*
Stat
$461. That’s the average money saved by drivers who switch up their car insurance provider. Money has a free tool that matches you with the best options for City. See how much you could save.*
Get ready to play in this art-chitecture and temporary playground during CIAF. | Photo via Charlotte International Arts Festival
We heard a rumor that there’s nothing to do in Charlotte. We’re here to prove that wrong.
There are plenty of local music, food, and arts performances to go around all over the city. Bookmark this list for weekends packed with good vibes and good eats.
Arts + poetry
Charlotte International Arts Festival | Sept. 1-30 | Citywide | Free+ | Experience 30 days of cultural events, live performances, and free interactive exhibits across the Queen City.
Festival in the Park | Sept. 19-21 | Freedom Park | Free+ | More than 150 artists and vendors will line the park in this three-day festival.
All about the eats
Panda Fest Charlotte 2025 | Sept. 12-14 | Various times | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $20+ | This three-day festival is considered to be the biggest outdoor Asian food festival.
Let the games begin
Carolina Renaissance Festival | Saturdays + Sundays, Oct. 4-Nov. 23 | 16445 Poplar Tent Rd., Huntersville | $36+ | Shop the open-air marketplace before watching a joust or seeing birds of prey in action.
A cozy button down cardigan that will become a staple in your fall wardrobe. It’s made of soft knitted fabric + includes a hood for when you need a little extra warmth.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I was craving fall flavors and recently visited Defined Coffee in Mooresville, so I ordered a pumpkin latte and strawberry Nutella toast for breakfast. I could honestly savor both every morning from now on. Let me know what your favorite fall foods are.
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