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· support · awareness · hope
The Greeneville Sun
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Is it time?
Schedule your mammogram today.
2 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN • THINK PINK • 2026
‘God brought me through this, says 20-year breast cancer survivor
By Nelson Morais Staff Writer
Barbara Southerland, a farmer and retired teacher who lives in Lost Mountain, near the Town of Baileyton, said she is so grateful to God that she is a 20-year breast cancer survivor. Prior to 2006, she had her mammograms taken on a yearly basis. In March of 2006, when she had her mammogram, the doctor found one that was “questionable,” yet he did not believe she had anything to be concerned about. However, he asked her to return for a second mammogram in six months. Sure enough, in September of that year, she had the follow-up mammogram taken at the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center on Dowell Springs Boulevard. After numerous mammograms, a couple of ultrasounds and an MRI, Southerland was informed that a small mass was present before she
returned home that afternoon. A needle biopsy also conducted in September showed the mass was believed to be benign, according to Southerland. She had no symptoms of cancer prior to that, she said. Southerland decided she wanted the mass removed, which doctors did in the middle of September. When the pathology report came back to the doctor, it showed it was cancer, yet only Stage One, which was encouraging. In November, since cancer was present, Southerland had a second surgery so the doctors could “get better margins.” Her lymph nodes were checked and found to be clear. At a follow-up appointment later that month to discuss her radiation schedule, she was told her team of doctors had met that morning and did not feel “comfortable” with the non-invasive cells surrounding the surgical site. They recommended she have a mastectomy. See SOUTHERLAND| page 3
Photo Courtesy of Barbara Southerland Barbara Southerland is seen with her husband R. T. on their farm near Baileyton building a corral for their cattle following her successful, though harsh, chemo treatments for breast cancer in 2007.
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SOUTHERLAND | from page 2 In December, Southerland had a double mastectomy, a decision that today she does not regret. Cancer can occur in the remaining breast, she stated. In January 2007, she started the first of four chemo treatments, about one per month, at the Tennessee Cancer Center (now Tennessee Cancer Care Specialists of Knoxville). The treatments involved the use of Adriamycin. The main chemotherapy drug used at the time was called “Red Devil” due to its bright red color and often intense, harsh side effects. Southerland said she lost most of her hair after the first treatment, had her head shaved and wore wigs occasionally. However, hats were her preferred head covering. In October, she said enough hair had grown back so she could stop wearing hats. Since then, she has had ultrasounds once a year “to make sure my chest wall is still good.” Southerland said, “Cancer makes you appreciate life every day.” In 2009, Shellie Hankins-Brown, a 1987 graduate of North Greene High School who is an event planner, dental assistant and fundraiser for many schools and organizations, asked Southerland to speak to a group about her journey with cancer. Southerland agreed to do so, thinking she would be speaking to a small community group of perhaps 15 people. Instead, at the Longaberger Horizon of Hope fundraiser for cancer research at the Link Hills Country Club in Greeneville, Southerland discovered about 160 people would be in attendance. “God has brought me through this,” Southerland said. In September of this year, Southerland said, “I know God continues with me every day. “I appreciate each day I have — even the cold and rainy ones. I’m 81. I’m proud that God has continued to let me live.”
Photo by Tim Massey Breast cancer survivor Barbara Southerland, of Lost Mountain, is seen here with her husband R. T. at the Greene County Heritage Trust Christmas dinner in 2024.
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Crum’s diagnosis was ‘terrifying,’
but faith, family, friends carried her through her journey By Amy Rose Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Susan Crum Susan Crum speaks as a breast cancer survivor.
Susan Crum says when she was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago, she was terrified. “Honestly, I felt like I had been handed a death sentence. Hearing the word ‘cancer’ was terrifying. My mind immediately went to my son, Austin, and the thought of not being here to watch him grow up. There was so much uncertainty, and it was hard to see beyond the fear at first,” she recalled. Crum explained that she had just endured a series of very personal ordeals when she heard that terrifying word. “In just three years, I had already experienced the sudden death of my father, lost my mom to cancer and survived a stroke. Now I was facing
cancer myself. Even in the fear, instead of asking God, ‘Why?’ I found myself praying, ‘How can You use this for Your glory?’” Crum’s cancer was discovered through her annual mammogram in 2013. “That routine appointment became the beginning of a journey I never expected,” she said. The mammogram initially identified a concern in her right breast, and a stereotactic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Following an MRI, doctors discovered there was more cancer in her right breast than originally thought. They also found a tumor in her left breast that was a different type of breast cancer. Crum went to Cancer Treatment Centers of See CRUM| page 5
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CRUM | from page 4
Photo Courtesy of Susan Crum Cancer patient Susan Crum smiles as she holds flowers in her hospital bed.
America in Chicago for a second opinion. “Once I was there, I knew that was where I wanted to receive my treatment and begin my pathway to recovery,” she said. A member of her team in Chicago was a geneticist. Crum knew her paternal grandmother had breast cancer, so he highly recommended a genetics test. “I remember the day he called me with the results, telling me he always hates to make those types of calls but ‘knowledge is power,’ and that’s when he told me I do carry the BRCA mutation. Once I was able, I had a complete hysterectomy because of the higher risk for ovarian cancer and, sure enough, there were pre-cancerous cells they found,” she said. Crum’s treatment involved multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. “It was a lot to navigate physically and emotionally, especially while also trying to be a mom,” she recalled. Crum said she cannot tell her cancer story without talking about her son, Austin. “He had just begun middle school, and because of my treatment, I had to be away from him a lot. I relied heavily on friends to help take care of him during that time. “He was such a trooper, but I know it was a lot for him to go through, too. He was my biggest WHY to keep fighting. I wanted to be here to raise him, cheer him on and watch him become the man he is today. Thirteen years later, I am getting to see moments I was once afraid I might miss. I do not take that gift lightly,” she said. Crum says she is doing well, having celebrated 13 years of survivorship in July. See CRUM| page 6
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CRUM | from page 5 “That is a milestone I am deeply grateful for, especially when I remember how frightened I was at the beginning,” she said. She also is grateful for the chance to watch her son grow up, become a father, and build his own business, to be there for the births of her two grandchildren and to become engaged to Pete Thacker. “All of those mean so much when I remember wondering whether I would be here for those moments,” she said. “I don’t take a single moment or a single day for granted. My running joke is, ‘Let’s go do it today … tomorrow isn’t promised!’ There’s humor in it, but there’s also a lot of heart. I know how precious it is to be here, making memories with the people I love,” she said Crum said being a breast cancer survivor has changed the way she looks at time, relationships and the everyday moments we can so easily take for granted. “Being a survivor also influences the work I do through Tapestry of Faith, encouraging women as they navigate faith, life and leadership. I know what it feels like to have life change unexpectedly and to need someone to remind you that your story is still unfolding,” she said. Crum offered advice for those who are navigating a journey with breast cancer. “Make time for your health. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that is right for you, and follow through with those appointments. My cancer was discovered through my annual mammogram. “If you receive a diagnosis, ask questions. Ask again if you do not See CRUM| page 7
Susan Crum celebrates “graduation” from treatment.
Photo Courtesy of Susan Crum
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CRUM | from page 6 understand the answer. Seek a second opinion if you need one, and find a care team you feel comfortable with. “And let people help you. Accepting support does not mean you are
weak. There is so much to carry during treatment, and you do not have to carry it all by yourself,” she said. Crum relied on her faith and what she called “Susan’s Circle of Courage” to carry her through her journey. “That circle was my family and extended family of friends who prayed for me, encouraged me and helped with practical needs. “They also helped care for Austin when I had to be away for treatment. Knowing he was loved and cared for meant more than I can put into words,” she said. “Their support reminded me that even though I was the one going through treatment, I did not have to walk through it alone.” Crum is an author, coach, and motivational speaker. You can find her work through Tapestry of Faith on her Facebook page under Susan D. Crum.
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Photo Courtesy of Susan Crum Susan Crum is shown with her son, Austin, and her two grandchildren.
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8 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN • THINK PINK • 2026
Annual mammogram caught the
By Lisa Warren
‘sneaky beast’ early
Lifestyles Editor
Greeneville resident Amy Harris has always been diligent about getting an annual mammogram. It is a practice that likely saved her life. Harris is the daughter of the late Lewis and Velda Holt. She grew up on Cove Creek Road in southern Greene County and is a proud member of the South Greene High School Class of 1985. She holds a BA in business and a Masters in adult education from Tusculum University. She and her husband, Michael, are the parents of three children: Molly, Erin and Benjamin. They attend Central Baptist Church. In the summer of 2025, Harris underwent her yearly breast cancer screening, and like most women, she thought she probably wouldn’t have to think about it again for another 12 months. She was wrong. In her own words, Harris shared her personal story as a way to raise awareness for the crucial need to get regular mammograms — and to hopefully convince other women to take the time to get screened and catch breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stage.
‘No history...no signs or symptoms’
“I never thought I would be writing a story about breast cancer,
especially my story,” Harris told The Greeneville Sun in an email. “I had no family history of breast cancer, and I had no signs or symptoms. I felt perfectly fine. On June 30, 2025, I went for my regular screening mammogram, just as I had done every year. This time, however, the mammogram showed an irregular mass that was a little concerning,” she said. “A week later, I went back for an ultrasound, which confirmed that there was, in fact, something there. The next step was a needle biopsy. Within about three weeks, I had gone from my routine annual breast exam to hearing the words, ‘You have breast cancer.’” Those four words, Harris said, took her breath away. “I was really scared. Telling my family was painful,” she recalled. Harris was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, or ILC, which, she said, “can be a very sneaky type of breast cancer.” She explained that “ILC doesn’t typically form a distinct, marble-like lump. The cancer cells don’t stick together the way normal cells do. Instead, they can spread out in a pattern that looks more like a spider web or tiny tentacles.” “On a mammogram, that can make it extremely difficult to see. My surgeon described it as being like a white piece of thread sewn into a white piece of fabric, and you may only see a very subtle difference in See HARRIS| page 9
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HARRIS | from page 8 the shade of white,” she said.
Catching the ‘sneaky beast’
“I was blessed. This sneaky beast was caught early.” After undergoing all of her subsequent testing, Harris was diagnosed with Stage 1, ER-positive, PR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. “Since it was detected early, my treatment included a lumpectomy and radiation. Because my cancer was driven by estrogen, I will also be taking estrogen-blocking medication for several years,” she said. “I know that the type of breast cancer I had can recur in the breast and can sometimes appear elsewhere in the body, so I have to be more aware of changes in my body and to stay on top of my follow-up care,” she added. “My medical team has prepared me for that, and I am incredibly thankful for them. Early detection of breast cancer can mean less treatment is necessary, and that means fewer complications.” Harris praised her medical team for their knowledge and skill as they provided thoughtful care to her during her ordeal. “From the very beginning, I had a fantastic medical team,” she said. “They took the time to explain every detail, helped me and my family understand our surgical options, and continued to support me after treatment with exercise and nutritional guidance, while learning to navigate medication issues. “Love and support were there through it all,” she continued. “God answered countless prayers and helped me through the surgery, treatments, and recovery. My family was there every step of the way. I also had a wonderful circle of friends, both old and new, who had survived breast cancer. I could reach out to them anytime with questions.” “Unless you’ve ever heard someone say directly to you, ‘You have breast cancer,’ I don’t think you can truly understand the panic and emotions that come with those words, as well as the effect it has on your family,” Harris said.
‘Get your annual mammogram’
“If there is one thing I hope you take away from my story, it’s this: Get your annual mammogram. I had no symptoms, no family history, and no reason to think anything was wrong. But that routine appointment found something I could not,” she said. “That mammogram may have saved my life and given me more time with the people I love.”
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Photo via Amy Harris Amy Harris, far left, is shown with her husband, Michael, and their children Benjamin, Molly and Erin during a family trip to Rock City.
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The effects of breast cancer on the body The World Health Organization reports that breast cancer was the most common form of the disease among women in 164 of 186 countries in 2024. The footprint of breast cancer is significant, and millions of women and their families confront that impact each year. Breast cancer affects women in different ways. While each woman’s experience will be different, the following are some of the ways breast cancer can affect the body.
• Increased feelings of tiredness: Fatigue is a side effect of breast cancer and the treatments for it. WebMD notes that the fatigue women may feel while battling breast cancer can last for months after treatment, and sometimes even longer than that. But women may not be helpless against breast cancer-related fatigue. In fact, WebMD notes that eating a well-balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep and staying as physically active as possible are some ways women may be able to alleviate the tiredness that can appear during and even after treatment. • Changes to the skin: According to Breast Cancer Trials, which is an organization made up of breast cancer doctors and researchers devoted to finding better treatments for the disease, the underlying tumor can affect the skin, blood vessels and the lymphatic system. See EFFECTS| page 13
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Breast cancer screening FAQ
Preventive health care emphasizes healthy lifestyle choices like eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. Screening for various diseases, including cancer, is another important component of preventive health care that encourages individuals to be proactive in relation to their overall health. Women may hear about breast cancer screening as early as adolescence. Despite that, it’s not uncommon for women of all ages to have questions about breast cancer screening.
When should breast cancer screening begin?
This is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The American Cancer Society advises women at average breast cancer risk to begin screening between the ages of 40 and 44. Women are considered at average risk if they have no personal history or strong family history of breast cancer. Women also are considered at average risk if they do not have gene mutations linked to breast cancer or a history of chest radiation therapy prior to age 30. While the ACS notes women at average risk have the option to begin screening prior to age 44, the organization advises women to schedule annual mammograms beginning at age 45 and to continue getting them through age 54. If screenings do not show anything by age 54, women can then choose to get a mammogram every other year beginning at age 55.
What if I am at elevated risk for breast cancer?
Women who do not meet the criteria for average risk due to personal or family history will need to begin screening much earlier. The ACS recommends women at high risk for breast cancer get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year beginning at age 30. But the ACS also advises women to make this decision after careful discussion with their health care team. It’s also notable that the ACS indicates an MRI should never be substituted for a mammogram, as it’s possible an MRI will miss cancers a mammogram will find.
What is a 3D mammogram?
3D mammography is a relatively new screening option that has piqued many women’s curiosity in recent years. Brown University Health reports that a 3D mammogram rotates in an arc and takes X-rays of the breast at different angles, ultimately producing a more detailed view of the breast for radiologists to examine. By contrast, a 2D mammogram takes single X-rays at two different angles. But the ACS notes many breast imaging centers do not have 3D mammography. If given the choice between a 2D mammogram or none at all, women should always get the 2D mammogram. If 3D imaging is available, then that might be the way to go, as Brown University Health notes 3D mammography tends to detect more cancers and produce fewer false positives.
Are mammograms foolproof?
While mammograms are highly effective at detecting breast cancer, they are not perfect. The O’Neal Cancer Center notes that dense breast tissue can make breast cancer detection more difficult. Because no screening is perfect, it’s imperative that women adhere to screening guidelines even if results are consistently negative and they do not feel anything unusual during self-examinations. Screening for cancer is an integral component of preventive health care. Women are urged to make breast cancer screening part of their preventive health care routine.
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Breast cancer terms to know
12 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN • THINK PINK • 2026
A recent analysis from the Agency for Research on Cancer and collaborators estimated that 3.2 million new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed annually across the globe by 2050. That would mark a significant increase in annual cases since 2022, when the World Health Organization reported 2.3 million individuals were diagnosed with breast cancer. Though breast cancer affects millions of women and their support networks each year, it’s not always so easy to understand all of the terminology surrounding the disease. With that in mind, people recently diagnosed with the disease or those who know someone in such a position can learn these common terms to make their journey to recovery a little easier to navigate. • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Many terms related to breast cancer can be scary, but DCIS is among the more welcoming words a doctor may utter. DCIS is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that doctors may characterize as “stage 0.” Breast cancers identified as DCIS are very early stage and highly treatable. • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Susan G. Komen®, an organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, notes that IDC is a form of the disease that begins in the milk ducts but has spread into surrounding breast tissue and possibly into the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. • Lumpectomy: According to Susan G. Komen®, a lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes only the tumor and a small amount of tissue around it. Most of the breast skin and tissue is left in place during a lumpectomy. • Mastectomy: A mastectomy is a surgical removal of the breast.
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EFFECTS | from page 10 That can lead to an assortment of skin changes, including some that might be the first sign of breast cancer. Redness, dimpling, thickening of the skin on the breast or underarm, scaliness, and persistent itching are some of the skin changes women may experience while battling breast cancer. • Swelling in the upper body: WebMD notes that the lymph nodes from the arm near the breast containing the tumor are sometimes removed during surgical treatments. That removal may be vital, but it also can contribute to a buildup of fluid that leads to swelling in the arm, chest, and even abdominal region. Stiffness and soreness in these areas also may develop. Chemotherapy drugs also can lead to the
TERMS | from page 12 Susan G. Komen® notes there are different types of mastectomy. A modified radical mastectomy removes the breast, the lining of the chest muscles and some of the lymph nodes in the underarm area. This procedure is used to treat early and local advanced breast cancer. A total mastectomy involves surgical removal of the breast but no other tissue or nodes. • Hormone receptor status: Hormone receptor status indicates whether or not a breast cancer requires hormones to grow. Susan G. Komen® notes a significant number of hormone receptors on a breast cancer cell indicate it needs the hormone to grow. • Family history: Family history refers to current and past health conditions of a given individual’s biological family members. Family history of breast cancer is considered a risk factor for the disease. • Ki-67 Rate: Susan G. Komen® notes this is a common way to measure proliferation rate. The more cells the Ki-67 antibody attaches to in a given tissue sample, the more likely the tumor cells will grow and divide rapidly. • Local treatment: This refers to treatment that focuses on
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buildup of fluid that eventually can contribute to swelling in the arms and legs. • Bone loss and vulnerability to fractures: The Endocrine Society notes that hormonal therapy for breast cancer can make patients vulnerable to fractures. Fracture rates may be as high as 20 percent, and post-menopausal women may be particularly vulnerable to broken bones after hormonal therapy for breast cancer. Bone loss also may occur because treatments for breast cancer can decrease estrogen. Lower levels of a type of estrogen hormone known as estradiol has been linked to osteoporosis. No two women experience breast cancer in the same way. But the disease and treatments for it can produce some similar side effects that women can work to address with their health care teams.
removing cancer from areas local to the breast, including the breast itself as well as the chest wall and lymph nodes in the underarm area. These are just a handful of terms that women diagnosed with breast cancer and their family members can learn to better understand the disease and the various ways it’s treated. Additional terminology can be found at komen.org.
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Conducting a breast self-exam
here are various ways to detect breast cancer in the earliest stages of the disease. Self-exams are one way to be mindful of potential changes in the breasts and bring them to the attention of medical professionals. While self-exams can help individuals learn how their bodies normally look and feel, major medical organizations like the American Cancer Society no longer recommend doing formal, regimented monthly self-exams. Instead, there is a greater push toward breast self-awareness. According to BreastCancer.org, regular step-by-step self-exams do not decrease breast cancer mortality rates. In some instances, they can cause unnecessary anxiety and lead to biopsies after the discovery of benign lumps. But it can still be helpful to learn how to conduct a self-exam and incorporate it into a preventive health care routine. Here’s how to conduct an exam, courtesy of BreastCancer. org. 1. Examine your breasts in the mirror with hands on hips. Look for breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling. Also look to ensure that the breasts are their usual size, shape and color.
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2. Now raise your arms and look for the same things. 3. Look for signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples. 4. Lie down, and use your right hand to feel your left breast. Then switch to use your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand. Press down with your fingers and move them in a circular motion that’s about the size of an inch around. Go around each breast from top to bottom, side to side. Be sure to follow a pattern to be sure to cover the entire breast from collarbone to the top of the abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. 5. Feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many people find that the easiest way to self-examine their breasts is in the shower when the skin is slippery. Conduct the same hand movements as in step 4. While many lumps are benign, women should not hesitate to call the doctor to check out a new lump or breast change that concerns them. Getting to know one’s breasts through self-exam can lead to early detection of breast cancer at a point in time when the disease is most treatable.
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DID YOU KNOW?
According to UT MD Anderson, alcohol increases a person’s risk for seven types of cancer, including breast cancer. An advisory report from the U.S. Surgeon General indicated that drinking alcohol increases breast cancer risk more than any other cancer in women. In fact, more than 16 percent of the 270,000 breast cancer cases in women in 2019 were linked to alcohol consumption. Alcohol contains ethanol, which the body breaks down into a cancer-causing substance known as acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde causes DNA damage, which also can occur due to oxidative stress caused by alcohol. Alcohol also can alter levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with breast cancer. While millions of women consume alcohol without ever developing breast cancer, those at elevated risk for the disease may want to avoid it. Even women considered at average risk for breast cancer should limit their consumption if they choose to drink.
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Is it time? Schedule your mammogram. A mammogram can detect signs of breast cancer, so it can be addressed. The Women’s Imaging Center at Greeneville Community Hospital has everything to make your screening as quick and comfortable as possible.
When should you get a mammogram? • Women should begin having mammograms at the age of 40. • Some women with certain risk factors may need to start getting screened earlier. Talk to your doctor to see what is right for you.
Nervous?
Your comfort is our priority. Our friendly and welcoming staff, ladies-only dressing rooms and full-coverage gowns ensure you feel comfortable.
No insurance?
No problem. Ballad Health has special programs to cover the cost of mammogram screenings. Local health departments also have programs that can help.
Need an appointment?
You can schedule online through your MyChart account or call 833.8.BALLAD to make an appointment. You don’t need a doctor’s order for a mammogram screening.
Learn more at balladhealth.org/ mammograms.