The Power of Early Detection: Judith McCoy’s Story of Survival and the Importance of Regular Screenings

Many people think, "It won’t happen to me." Cancer feels like a distant threat, something others face. But for Judith McCoy, this belief nearly cost her life. Her story is a powerful reminder that cancer can strike anyone—and that regular screenings are critical for early detection and survival.

Judith, a former Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Nashville General Hospital, admits that for years, she avoided getting a mammogram. Like so many others, she was busy, felt healthy, and didn’t prioritize the test. "I just thought I didn’t have time for it. I was living a healthy lifestyle—I was a practicing vegetarian for 30 years—so cancer never even crossed my mind," Judith explains. But when her doctor pushed her to finally get a mammogram, she reluctantly made time for the appointment. It turned out to be a lifesaving decision.

Early Detection Saved Her Life

Joseph McCoy (Father), Judith McCoy (Mother), Meredeth McCraw (Oldest daughter) Melanie Thomas (Middle daughter), Myla McCoy (Youngest daughter)

Judith’s first mammogram in 1990 revealed something unexpected: cancer. “I was in denial at first,” Judith recalls. “I thought, ‘There’s no way. They must have mixed up my results with someone else’s.’” But the diagnosis was real—Judith had breast cancer.

Because the cancer was caught early, Judith’s treatment was straightforward: a lumpectomy followed by radiation. Though the physical toll was challenging, Judith reflects that the emotional impact was even harder. “Once I accepted that I had cancer, my mind started racing. I kept wondering, ‘Am I going to die? Will I live to see my kids graduate?’” The emotional rollercoaster is a reminder that cancer doesn’t just affect the body—it weighs heavily on the mind.

Despite the difficult journey, Judith’s early detection meant that her treatment was successful. “Catching it early gave me a fighting chance,” she says. After radiation and a holistic recovery process, Judith was cancer-free.

But the story didn’t end there.

The Importance of Regular Checkups

Several years after her initial diagnosis, Judith continued with regular checkups—an important habit she hadn’t prioritized before her first cancer experience. “I learned my lesson,” she says. “After that scare, I made sure to keep up with all my screenings.”

This vigilance paid off. One year after celebrating five years of being cancer-free, Judith’s regular mammogram showed troubling signs: the cancer had returned, this time in the same breast. “The fact that I was getting regular checkups made all the difference,” Judith explains. “We caught it early again, and I was able to avoid more aggressive treatments.” This time, Judith chose to have a double mastectomy, a decision that spared her from needing further radiation or chemotherapy.

Her story underscores a critical message: early detection through regular screenings can save your life. Judith’s experience of catching both her initial and recurring cancer early highlights how important it is to stay proactive about your health, even when you feel fine.

Melanie’s Takeaway: Learning from Her Mother’s Journey

Speaking at Oakwood College church

For Melanie Thomas, Judith’s daughter and the current Chief Information Officer at Nashville General Hospital, her mother’s battle with cancer has profoundly shaped her approach to health. Melanie, like many others, didn’t consider breast cancer a concern in her 20s. “When my mom told me she had cancer, it was a complete shock,” she recalls. “We had no idea. She looked healthy, acted healthy, and wasn’t showing any signs of illness.”

Now, Melanie is a firm believer in regular screenings and checkups. “After seeing what my mom went through, I started getting mammograms when I was 30, ten years earlier than most of my peers,” Melanie says. “It’s important to stay ahead of these things—you never know when it might be your turn.”

For Melanie, regular screenings have become a non-negotiable part of her healthcare routine. "We’re so busy with life, work, and family that it’s easy to put off checkups, but it’s worth the peace of mind knowing that you’re taking care of yourself," she adds.

Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Screening Today

Judith McCoy and her daughters Meredeth, Melanie, & Myla

Judith McCoy’s story serves as a powerful reminder that cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone, regardless of how healthy or busy you are. The key to surviving cancer is catching it early—before it spreads or becomes more difficult to treat. As Judith says, “If I hadn’t had that first mammogram, my story could’ve ended very differently.”

If you’ve been putting off your annual physical, mammogram, or other recommended screenings, now is the time to act. Early detection doesn’t just improve your chances of surviving cancer—it can save your life. And if cancer does strike, catching it early allows for less aggressive treatments and a quicker return to normal life.

At Nashville General Hospital, we’re committed to making healthcare accessible to everyone in our community. Our screening services, including mammograms and other preventative care, are available to help you stay ahead of potential health risks. Schedule your checkup today and take control of your health.

As Melanie reflects, “Cancer is something no one wants to go through, but regular checkups and screenings give you the best chance of beating it if it does happen. It’s not just about survival—it’s about giving yourself the opportunity to live cancer-free.”