VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

03/11/2026

When Governor Spanberger appointed Dr. Webb as our new State Health Commissioner, she wasn't just appointing a physician. She was appointing a Juris Doctorate (JD) and a veteran of the White House Office of COVID-19 Response.

In the latest Facts & Faith Fridays, Dr. Robert A. Winn sat down with Dr. Cameron "Coach Cam" Webb for a deep dive into the intersection of public health, policy, and community trust. The discussion centers on the vital role of faith-based leadership in addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring that medical advancements reach the most vulnerable populations. Dr. Webb further explains why health equity isn't just a policy goal, it’s a community mission.

Watch the video here:

In this edition of Facts and Faith Fridays, we hear from newly appointed State Health Commissioner for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Dr. B. Camero...

03/09/2026

The Massey Challenge is back, and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Robert A. Winn is calling on YOU to help make this the biggest, most exciting year yet!

Whether you are a runner, a walker, or a cheerleader who prefers to support from the sidelines, there is a place for you in this fight. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps put cancer on the run.

Here's how you can join the team:

👟 Run or Walk: Participate in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K.

🤝 Donate: Support the life-saving research and community outreach at Massey.

🗣️ Spread the Word: Tell your friends and family why you're joining the fight!

Show the world what happens when we move together as one team. See you at the finish line! 🏁

Join the fight today https://www.masseychallenge.com/

03/06/2026

Think the HPV vaccine is just for kids? Think again! Dr. Jaclyn Wall, a Massey gynecologic oncologist, recently shared in Woman’s World why this vaccine is vital for adults up to age 45.

Even if you’ve been exposed to HPV before, the vaccine protects against other high-risk strains you haven't encountered, making it a great tool as life circumstances change. As Dr. Wall emphasizes, cervical cancer is "almost entirely preventable" through vaccination and regular screenings.

Check it out!

Snooki’s stage 1 cervical cancer has women asking: Is the HPV vaccine still worth it in midlife?

03/06/2026

Did you know that how you cook your food can be just as important as what’s on your plate? 🍳

Massey researchers Drs. Victoria Findlay and David Turner are studying AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products),"metabolic waste" that forms in highly processed foods and when we use high, dry heat for cooking. Over time, these AGEs build up in our tissues, causing inflammation and essentially "aging" our organs faster than our actual years!

"Everything in moderation" isn't just an old saying, it's a research-backed strategy for a healthier, cancer-resistant life.

🔗 Dive into the full research and find the AGE content of your favorite foods: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/news/2026/ages-research-provides-dietary-guidance-while-reducing-risk-of-chronic-disease-and-cancer/

03/04/2026

On World HPV Awareness Day, Massey is proud to stand alongside 61 other NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in a unified mission: prioritizing HPV vaccination as a critical tool for cancer prevention.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is incredibly common, affecting one out of every four people in the U.S. While most infections clear on their own, HPV is directly linked to six different types of cancer, including cervical, oropharyngeal (throat), a**l, pe**le, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

As Dr. Kim Rhoads, Massey’s Associate Director of Community Engagement, emphasizes, “Only a handful of cancers are truly preventable. Six of those preventable cancers are caused by HPV infection. Reducing HPV infection through vaccination will put our country on track to potentially eliminate these cancers.”

03/03/2026

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re talking with Massey expert Dr. Asit Paul to clear up common misconceptions about this disease.

❌ Myth: Kidney cancer always causes blood in the urine.
✅ Fact: While blood in the urine is a sign, most kidney cancers are actually found during imaging (like CT scans) for other reasons!

❌ Myth: Smoking only causes lung cancer.
✅ Fact: Smokers have a 20-40% higher risk of kidney cancer than non-smokers.

❌ Myth: All kidney cancers require surgery and lead to dialysis.
✅ Fact: Smaller tumors can often be monitored or treated with focal radiation, and the risk of needing dialysis after surgery is very low for those with normal kidney function.

At Massey, our multidisciplinary teams are using the latest immunotherapies and clinical trials to transform kidney cancer care. Early detection and expert management make all the difference.

🔗 Check out our latest news story for the full guide to kidney cancer health:

Kidney cancer occurs when cells begin to grow out of control within the tissues of the kidneys, two bean-shaped organs—one on each side of the lower back—that filter water, salt and waste from the blood and make urine. This disease is one of the 10 most common cancers in both men and women, acco...

03/02/2026

March is the official awareness month for Colorectal Cancer, Kidney Cancer, and Multiple Myeloma.

Today, there is more reason for hope than ever before. With advancements in personalized medicine and innovative therapies, we are seeing more patients live longer, fuller lives.

We are honoring the resilience of the survivors and the strength of the warriors within our community. At Massey, our mission is built on a foundation of "uncommon compassion" and "unwavering dedication," and that begins with a simple, powerful truth: Early detection saves lives.

03/02/2026

Being a young adult is already a time of navigating transitions, and a cancer diagnosis adds a layer of complexity to dating, friendships, and family life that others might not understand.

Join the Massey AYA Supper Club for an evening dedicated to discussing Relationships & Cancer. Whether you are currently in treatment or navigating life after cancer, this is a space for those aged 18–39 to connect, share, and learn.

We are excited to be joined by experts Brittany Brown-Price, LCSW, and Monika Brown, WHNP-BC, who will lead an open dialogue on how to manage the unique social and emotional challenges of this journey.

📅 When: Thursday, March 19, 2026
🕒 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Who: Cancer patients and survivors aged 18–39

Don't navigate this alone. Come for the community, stay for the conversation.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4r65ZCS

02/27/2026

Are you ready to RAMble?! 👟💛

It’s time to lace up those sneakers, gather your crew (dogs included! 🐾), and join Team Massey for the 3rd annual “Are You Ready To RAMble?!” 5K!

Whether you're training for the Monument Avenue 10K or just looking for a morning of Massey spirit, this event is for YOU. We’re taking over Monroe Park for a family-friendly walk/run that’s stroller, scooter, and bike-friendly!

📅 When: Saturday, March 21, 2026 @ 8:30 AM
📍 Where: Monroe Park
🏃 Who: Everyone! All fitness levels are welcome.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4aHElGh

Contribute to Team Massey here: https://runsignup.com/masseyramble5k

02/27/2026

This , we’re revisiting a vital perspective from Dr. Todd Adams on the enduring legacy of the African American community in medicine.

Dr. Adams reminds us that Black history in science and healthcare isn't just about looking back, it’s about recognizing that it takes all kinds of people to drive modern research and patient care today.

02/25/2026

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us last night for our community session with Dr. Reshma Jagsi moderated by Sharon Rivera Sanchez!

It was an incredible evening of dialogue, and we are so grateful to Dr. Jagsi for sharing her expertise and vision with our community. Your presence and thoughtful questions made the session truly impactful, reminding us why these conversations are so necessary as we work together toward a more equitable future in cancer care.

To our community members: Thank you for your continued engagement and for bringing your voices to the table. We are stronger together!

02/24/2026

In this special Black History Month collaboration series with The Cancer Letter, Dr. Rob Winn, sits down with a true pioneer in oncology: Dr. Malcolm Brock.

Dr. Brock’s journey is a powerful example of embracing the "forks in the road." A Rhodes Scholar who once authored a book in Japanese, he transitioned from Japanese studies to becoming a leader in thoracic surgery and molecular biomarkers at Johns Hopkins.

🎧 Listen here:

What does it take to become a "superhero" in the field of cancer research? In a collaboration with The Cancer Letter, Dr. Robert Winn interviews a true pioneer, Dr. Malcolm Brock.In this episode, Dr. Brock opens up about the "forks in the road" that defined his career. He discusses the influence of....