VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

12/09/2025

Are GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic/Zepbound) affecting cancer risk? VCU Massey is providing the critical perspective needed for this national conversation.

We are proud to see Dr. Kandace McGuire, Chief of Breast Surgery, quoted in NBC News providing expert analysis on the recent study of GLP-1 drugs and their link to obesity-related cancers.

Dr. McGuire advises caution regarding the study's short-term findings, stressing the need for long-term data.

Read the full article to understand the study's limitations and why experts say more data is needed:

Doctors say the class of medications that includes Ozempic and Zepbound still offers health benefits for people with diabetes and obesity.

12/09/2025

We are thrilled to announce that we are now offering Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS), a cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes the early detection of lymphedema in breast cancer patients.

Lymphedema, a painful, lifelong complication, is often detected too late. But with BIS, our breast cancer team can now measure subtle fluid changes before a patient experiences any symptoms.

This innovation underscores Massey’s commitment to not only treating cancer but ensuring the highest quality of life after treatment. We are moving beyond symptom management to prevention and reversal, setting a new standard in comprehensive cancer care.

Read the full story on how we’re transforming recovery: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/news/vcu-massey-now-offers-new-technology-for-early-detection-of-lymphedema/

12/05/2025

This new episode of Community Conversations / Black Health Wins, features a discussion that began with a powerful, hand-drawn map.

In this must-listen episode, Clovia “Ms Community Clo” Lawrence sits down with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Rob Winn, Associate Co-Director of Global Oncology Dr. Katherine Tossas, and Suzanne Brown of the Chickahominy Tribe, to discuss the inspiration and catalyst behind the TRUTH Project (Trust, Research, Understand, Tell, Heal).

The conversation traces Suzanne Brown's personal journey, spurred by the loss of her mother to cancer and fueled by a community map that documented local cancer diagnoses in Charles City County. Her local wisdom combined with Massey's unparalleled commitment to community health, sparked the launch of the TRUTH Project—a true community–academic partnership to investigate concerns, conduct water testing, and build vital trust where medical mistrust previously existed.

Check it out: https://rss.com/podcasts/real-cancer-talk/2369289/

12/04/2025

A great year deserves a great celebration!

Yesterday, we took a moment to reflect on what a truly exceptional year 2025 has been. Our achievements are a direct result of the unparalleled talent, perseverance, and dedication of every single person on the VCU Massey staff. In 2025, everyone stepped up and showed exactly what makes this team so special. Here's to a STRONG finish! !

12/03/2025

Join us for some holiday cheer! 🥳

The AYA Holiday Mixer is happening on Thursday, December 11th at 5:30 PM! Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating treatment, or celebrating survivorship, come for a night of fun, community, and support with other AYA patients and survivors (ages 20-39).

RSVP here https://bit.ly/3MC07mg! Connect with other young adult patients and survivors to enjoy the season together. We can't wait to see you!

12/02/2025

We're excited to share a brand new episode of Real Cancer Talk featuring a robust conversation recorded at the annual convening of the Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials program in Albuquerque!

Listen as Dr. Rob Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, sits down with two exceptional Winn CDA Award Scholars, Maliha Nusrat, MD, MS (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and Blessie E. Nelson MMBBS., DMRT (MD Anderson Cancer Center) to discuss the latest in clinical trials!

Tune in to hear their expert insights and learn more about the Winn Awards program!

🎧 Listen Here: https://rss.com/podcasts/real-cancer-talk/2344710/

12/01/2025

As the Thanksgiving bustle settles, we often find quiet moments for reflection. Today, Chaplain Charles invites us to define fulfillment.

Set aside the big celebrations, and take a moment to ponder; what did a great good day look like for you as a child? What does a genuinely good day look like for you now? Maybe it was a favorite activity or going to a cherished place. Perhaps now it is peace, a moment of connection, or seeing loved ones. Watch the video for a deeper dive into appreciating everyday joys and check the comment section for the journal page...

11/27/2025

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from VCU Massey!

This season, we are profoundly grateful for the dedication of our doctors, researchers, staff, volunteers, and, most importantly, our brave patients and their families. Thank you for being a part of our mission to conquer cancer. We wish you and your loved ones a day filled with warmth, hope, and peace.

11/26/2025

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 💜.

Did you know this aggressive disease is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. by 2030?

At VCU Massey, we are committed to tackling this challenge head-on. Our Surgeon-in-Chief and leader in pancreatic cancer, Jose Trevino, M.D., FACS, recently shared his insights on the critical need for awareness, innovative research, and a multidisciplinary approach. Check it out: https://bit.ly/3KniqLk

11/26/2025

Not everyone benefits equally from cancer progress. The Winn Awards, anchored by VCU Massey directly addresses this crisis. We aren't waiting for change; we're training the leaders who are making it happen.

Earlier this month scholars from the first five cohorts of the Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials program convened in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The event served as the central platform for intensive training and high-level strategy. Scholars focused on health outcomes for everyone and advancing patient centered care.

Read how this partnership is transforming research and building trust in every community: https://bit.ly/3XM0tJk

11/25/2025

Earlier this month, the 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference (CVCRC) proved that collaboration is the key to accelerating discoveries.

Hosted by in Richmond, by VCU Massey, the event gathered 400 researchers, students, and trainees from 8 universities across the Commonwealth.

This massive effort featured over 200 presentations, from basic science to population health, all focused on advancing the mission of better cancer outcomes for Virginians.

As keynote speaker Dr. Ronald DePinho stated: "Cancer is an incredibly complex problem. It requires the wisdom and capabilities of a diverse group of stakeholders to advance knowledge."

We are proud to lead this "village of stakeholders" in defining the future of cancer care.

Read about the award winners, the research themes, and the success of the statewide collaboration: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/news/commonwealth-of-virginia-cancer-research-conference-unites-cancer-researchers-students-and-trainees-from-across-the-state/

11/21/2025

To***co cessation is a critical action one can take to improve long-term health and drastically reduce cancer risk, not just for lung cancer, but for cancers across the body (esophageal, bladder, pancreatic, and more).

In our latest article, we sit down with Dr. Caroline Cobb, a leading expert in cancer prevention, to discuss why cessation is so important and the necessity of social support and comprehensive cessation resources, including our We Can Quit program.

Quitting takes practice, but the return on investment for health is immediate and exponential. We encourage everyone to share this resource with their networks and remind colleagues, friends, and family that support is available: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/news/smoking-cessation-why-its-important-the-benefits-of-quitting-and-where-to-begin/