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.

Learn more and get screened

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True or False: Smoking increases bladder cancer risk.

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