The Newport Plain Talk
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Cruise Against
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Cancer
NEWPORT — Celebrate Life, a local cancer support group, will host the annual Cruise Against Cancer event on Saturday, April 24, 2027, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Newport City Park. The event is the organization’s main fundraiser. The 2027 event marks 19 years the event has been held. The event will be held rain or shine, and activities will be influenced by the weather as well as the crowd’s size.
Cars of various makes and models showed up at Newport City Park for Cruise Against Cancer.
Celebrate Life
Celebrate Life, founded by Michele Sexton, has served cancer patients for more than 25 years. The 2025 event raised $45,000, according to Celebrate Life President Kathy Webb and Vice President Danny Webb. That number was surpassed in 2026 despite rain on the day of the event.
Photo by Kathy Barnes Celebrate Life Vice President Danny Webb and his wife, President Kathy Webb, are shown at Cruise Against Cancer.
Photo by Kathy Barnes
“We hope to surpass that total,” Kathy said. “We want to help as many cancer patients as we possibly can.” “We definitely hope to beat that total. We hope more cars will participate and there will be more people attending the event,” Danny added. “We have set our goal high, but we believe we can reach it.” They explained during the last year the organization has been flooded with calls from cancer patients asking for assistance. The organization serves Cocke, Jefferson and Sevier counties.
Photo by Kathy Barnes Sharon Manning and Kaye Ramsey welcomed attendees to Cruise Against Cancer at Newport City Park.
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In the past, the group would offer as much as $600 assistance to a cancer patient, but because of the increased number of people needing assistance, the group dropped that amount to $500 per person per year. “We hope to raise enough money to help even more people,” Danny explained. “We would like to be able to add Hamblen and Greene counties onto the counties where we offer help, and then we would have Cocke County and all its bordering counties in our area.” “The Lord always provides,” he added. “He knows how much money we will need to raise and how many patients will need our help.” Last year about 400 cars participated in the event. The Webbs explained that cars drive in and out of the park throughout the day. They are encouraging even more vehicles to participate. They pointed out that this year classic cars, antique vehicles, Jeeps, motorcycles and other vehicles of interest are welcome to join in. “We won’t turn any kind of vehicle down,” Danny said. “We invite anyone who wants to show off their vehicle to come out and join us.” “We know we are in a drought and need rain,” he added. “But we hope the rain holds off until after the event on Saturday. Rain definitely affects the attendance.” For additional information, visit the Cruise Against Cancer Facebook page. Nathan Manning is the event organizer and came up with the idea for the fundraiser when it first got underway. For additional information call Kathy Webb at (423) 625-6603 or Danny Webb at (423) 721-0549.
At Rural Medical Services, Inc. we stand with you in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection saves lives. Family Medical Obstetric & Gynecology Behavioral Health | Pediatrics Family Practice | Dental Seven Convenient Locations Call (423) 613-3300 to make an appointment Prevention and Risk Reduction Tips
• Maintain a healthy weight: Weight management lowers postmenopausal risk. • Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. • Limit alcohol: Keep consumption to little or none, as alcohol increases risk. • Avoid smoking: Quit or avoid tobacco use entirely. • Get annual screenings: Talk to your doctor about yearly mammograms Starting at age 40. Photo by Kathy Barnes Sharon Manning is shown welcoming a car to Cruise Against Cancer at Newport City Park.
Photo by Kathy Barnes Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended Cruise Against Cancer. While the number of attendees were impacted by the weather, the fundraiser was still a record breaker.
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Allison Giles is shown speaking at Paint the Town Pink, which was held on the courthouse lawn on Oct. 6.
Photo by Kathy Barnes
A journey of strength Allison Giles’ Breast Cancer Story
NEWPORT - For breast cancer survivor Allison Giles, putting herself first and keeping her scheduled health appointments was not always a priority. Even with a family history of cancer, Giles put the needs of others first like many women do every day. However, the risk of developing cancer has always weighed heavily on Giles. She scheduled a genetic test indicating she did not carry the BRCA gene, a marker that shows a significant lifetime risk for certain types of cancers. “I began receiving regular mammograms in my early 40s, because deep down I knew there was a risk with my family history,” Giles said. “Looking back, and what I would tell my friends and colleagues, is don’t miss these appointments.” In Aug. 2025, a routine mammogram detected hormone-positive cancer in her right breast. Determined to take an aggressive approach, she chose to undergo a bilateral total mastectomy the next month. Although a lumpectomy and radiation were recommended, Giles opted for the double mastectomy for peace of mind and long-term risk reduction. During treatment, Giles faced several complications. In October that year, she developed cellulitis requiring an emergency visit at
Tennova Newport Medical Center. Later in December, while taking the hormone-blocking medication, she developed a deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. She was hospitalized again and treated with different medications. Giles said she continued diagnostic imaging over the past six months and remained under the close supervision of her oncology team. At home, Gile’s support system was equally strong. Her mother, husband, and children remained by her side throughout her treatments. Family stepped in to help schedule appointments, while her son flew back home to spend more time with his mother. Her daughter became her “hype woman,” offering encouragement during the hardest days. Even her Scottish terrier, Higgins, provided comfort during long recovery days. “I cannot put into words the deep appreciation I have for my care team,” Giles said. “I was surrounded by people that helped carry me through the most difficult moments. My nurse navigator, Lindsey Robinson, played such an important role for me, coordinating my appointments, checking in with me and providing emotional support.” Today, Giles has completed treatment as of July 2026 and has made lifestyle changes, including going to therapy and prioritizing fitness to
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improve her overall health. But perhaps most importantly, she wants others to learn from her experience. Giles is passionate about sharing one powerful message: don’t skip your mammogram. “Early detection through routine screenings can identify breast cancer before symptoms appear,” she said. “My journey is a reminder that cancer can affect anyone, and my advice to women I know is to always keep those appointments, don’t put them off. That mammogram could one day save your life.
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Photo by Kathy Barnes Allison Giles is shown in several photos with her loved ones throughout her journey with breast cancer.
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At Newport Medical Center We offer a full range of inpatient and outpatient services including: • Cardiology • Diagnostic Imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI, 3D Mammography, Ultrasound) • Emergency Care • Gastroenterology • General Surgery • Inpatient Rehabilitation Services/Physical Therapy
Allison Giles is shown speaking at a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Newport.
Photo by Kathy Barnes
• Neurology • Nephrology • Non-Skilled Nursing Home • Obstetrics • Ophthalmology • Orthopedic Services • Respiratory Care • Surgical Services
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Photo by Kathy Barnes Allison Giles is shown speaking at Paint the Town Pink, which was held on the courthouse lawn on Oct. 6.
Photo by Kathy Barnes Members of the Newport Fire Department were decked out in their pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness at the Paint the Town Pink event.
Photo by Kathy Barnes The Rev. Tom Mooty, Newport Mayor Trey Dykes, Newport Alderwoman Louanna Ottinger, Newport Alderman Randy Ragan and Kenny Cody, Republican nominee for the State House seat for District 11, are shown at the Paint the Town Pink event.
Photo by Kathy Barnes Tennova Newport Medical Center CEO Scott Williams addresses those attending the Paint the Town Pink event.
Photo by Kathy Barnes A crowd is shown gathering for the Paint the Town Pink event.
Photo by Kathy Barnes The Paint the Town Pink event was well attended. It was held on the courthouse lawn.
Photo by Kathy Barnes The Wellington Manor Whippersnappers sang during Paint the Town Pink.
Photo by Kathy Barnes Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice staff are shown with Cocke County Mayor Joe Shults during the Paint the Town Pink event. From left are Jan Brooks, Heather Ellison, Shults and Lois McCoig.
Photo by Kathy Barnes ORNL Federal Credit Union participated in Paint the Town Pink.
Photo by Kathy Barnes From left are Lula Ozmun, Audrey Jones, Donna Jones and Tammy Francis at Paint the Town Pink. Audrey Jones is a breast cancer survivor.
Photo by Kathy Barnes People are shown getting ready for Paint the Town Pink.
Photo by Kathy Barnes The Cocke County Health Department was well represented at Paint the Town Pink.
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Study: AI helps doctors detect breast cancer better Breast cancer can be detected more accurately using artificial intelligence, according to a recent study. Researchers found that AI improves breast cancer detection accuracy for radiologists when reading screening mammograms, helping them devote more of their attention to suspicious areas. Previous studies have shown that AI for decision support improves radiologist performance by increasing sensitivity for cancer detection without extending reading time. However, the positive impact of AI on radiologists’ visual search patterns remained underexplored until now. Dutch researchers used an eye-tracking system to compare radiologists’ performance and visual search patterns when reading screening mammograms with and without an AI decision support system. The system included a small camera-based device positioned in front of the screen with two infrared lights and a central camera. The infrared lights illuminate the radiologist’s eyes, and the See STUDY| page 9
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Breast cancer terms to know
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. 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 See TERMS| page 9
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STUDY| from page 7 reflections were captured by the camera, allowing for the computation of the exact coordinates of the radiologist’s eyes on the screen. Study joint first author Jessie Gommers, from the Department of Medical Imaging at Radboud University Medical Center, said: “By analyzing this data, we can determine which parts of the mammograms the radiologist focuses on, and for how long, providing valuable insights into their reading patterns.” Twelve radiologists read mammography examinations from 150 women, 75 with breast cancer and 75 without, for the study, published in the journal Radiology. Breast cancer detection accuracy among the radiologists was higher with AI support compared with unaided reading. There was no evidence of a difference in mean sensitivity, specificity or reading time. Doctoral candidate Gommers said: “The results are encouraging. “With the availability of the AI information, the radiologists performed significantly better.” Eye tracking data showed that radiologists spent more time examining regions that contained actual lesions when AI support was available. Gommers said: “Radiologists seemed to adjust their reading behavior based on the AI’s level of suspicion: when the AI gave a low score, it likely reassured radiologists, helping them move more quickly through clearly normal cases. “Conversely, high AI scores prompted radiologists to take a second, more careful look, particularly in more challenging or subtle cases.”
She said the AI’s region markings functioned like visual cues, guiding radiologists’ attention to potentially suspicious areas. She explained that, in essence, the AI acted as an additional set of eyes, providing the radiologists with additional information that enhanced both the accuracy and efficiency of interpretation. Gommers said: “Overall, AI not only helped radiologists focus on the right cases but also directed their attention to the most relevant regions within those cases, suggesting a meaningful role for AI in improving both performance and efficiency in breast cancer screening.” She noted that overreliance on erroneous AI suggestions could lead to missed cancers or unnecessary recalls for additional imaging. However, multiple studies have found that AI can perform as well as radiologists in mammography interpretation, suggesting that the risk of erroneous AI information is relatively low. To mitigate the risks of errors, Gommers says it is important that the AI is highly accurate and that the radiologists using it feel accountable for their own decisions. She said: “Educating radiologists on how to critically interpret the AI information is key.” The researchers are now conducting additional reader studies to explore when AI information should be made available, such as immediately upon opening a case, or on request. The team is also developing methods to predict if AI is uncertain about its decisions. Gommers added: “This would enable more selective use of AI support, applying it only when it is likely to provide meaningful benefit.”
TERMS| from page 8 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 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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Treatment options for breast cancer
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Breast cancer is marked by the formation of malignant cells in the various tissues of the breast. Family history and other factors like age increase a person’s risk for breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the ducts and accounts for roughly 70 to 80 percent of all breast cancer cases. Ten to 15% of all breast cancer cases are lobular carcinoma, which begins in the lobes or lobules.
the cancer will come back after breast-conserving surgery. It also can be used if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The American Cancer Society says external beam radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy for women with breast cancer. • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves anti-cancer drugs that
After a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, a cancer care team will begin to discuss treatment options. It’s important to weigh all options carefully. By understanding breast cancer treatments beforehand, individuals can make more informed decisions should they need to. The following are some treatment options for breast cancer. • Surgery: Breast cancer surgery typically involves a process to remove the cancer. A lumpectomy is a surgery that removes the tumor and some healthy tissues around it. This usually is reserved for a small cancer. Others may have a mastectomy to remove all of the breast tissue, including lobules, ducts, fatty tissue and some skin. A sentinel node biopsy may be needed to see if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, removing several lymph nodes is necessary if the cancer has spread. • Radiation: Radiation treatment employs highenergy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. Radiation can be used to help lower the chances that
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may be injected or administered orally. The drugs travel throughout the bloodstream to reach cancer cells in most parts of the body. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor or afterwards to kill any cancer cells left behind or ones that may have spread. Since chemotherapy is systemic, it can affect all areas of the body and may result in various side effects, according to the NCI. • Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may be recommended for postmenopausal women who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer that is hormone receptor positive or if the hormone receptor status is unknown. As the medications block certain hormones that some breast cancers are sensitive to, the cancer growth is stunted. Blocking the hormones also can cause the cancer cells to die, says the Mayo Clinic. • Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy utilizes medicines that attack specific chemicals in cancer cells. By blocking these chemicals, the treatment can cause cancer cells to die. The ACS says 15 to 20 percent of breast cancers make too much of a protein known as HER2. The most common targeted therapy medicines target HER2. • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts a person’s own immune system with certain medications to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
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