A Routine Mammogram That Saved A Life: Julie Givens, Breast Cancer Survivor

10/15/2026

In the back of her mind, Julie Givens knew how important yearly mammograms were, although in recent years, it was a test that she tended to put off or delay as life got busy and other priorities took precedence. After a trusted physician reminded her to get her yearly screening, she finally scheduled what became one of the most vital health appointments of her life.

“There is a background of cancer in my family from my dad having colorectal cancer and relatives with breast cancer,” Givens says. “Cancer is in my family big time. But, I had always had yearly mammograms in my early 40s and began to tell myself there wouldn’t be anything there. I thought I was all good.”

After her initial mammogram detected an abnormality, Tennova Healthcare scheduled Givens back for additional testing, with a biopsy confirming early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. Givens describes the moment she received the diagnosis as feeling “hit by a ton of bricks.” Fear, uncertainty and the thought of telling her family weighed heavily on her heart.

“When you hear you have cancer, you automatically expect the worst,” she says. “After getting over that initial shock, I reminded myself that I have a lot of life left to give. I’m a mother of three and a grandmother of nine and I was not going to let this get the best of me. I’ve got a lot to fight for.”

After her breast cancer treatment at Tennova Healthcare, Givens understands firsthand how powerful early detection can be. With a family history of cancer, she knew staying on top of screenings was important. Although she had delayed appointments in the past, she kept her routine mammogram this time. That decision saved her life.

“Tennova Healthcare has highly trained staff there and they took such good care of me,” Givens shares. “I wasn’t just a number, I was a priority.”

After diagnosis, Givens began a challenging journey through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but she never faced it alone. The support she received from Tennova Breast Center’s Mammography Technologists and nurse navigators provided reassurance throughout her care.

From compassionate bedside nurses and her dedicated nurse navigators who checked in regularly and helped with resources like wig assistance, Givens says she felt supported every step of the way. The care team treated her with dignity, respect and reassurance during some of her hardest days.

Today, Givens is celebrating a meaningful milestone graduating from diagnostic mammograms every six months to annual screening mammograms. “I’m doing so much better today,” she says. “My confidence is better than it was back then.”

Givens now shares her story to encourage others not to delay their screenings. Her message aligns with a simple but powerful reminder that early detection can make all the difference. A mammogram may only take a short time, but it can make a lifetime of difference.

To schedule your mammogram today, call (865) 545-7771 or schedule online.

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