Real Cancer Talk

When it comes to breast cancer, the journey isn't just about removing the "C-word"—it's about healing the whole person. In this episode of Real Cancer Talk, Dr. Robert Winn and Community Clovia host a conversation about the strides being made in breast cancer care at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. We’re stripping away the medical jargon to explore how surgical oncology and plastic surgery work hand-in-hand from the very first day of a diagnosis to ensure patients don't just survive, but thrive.

Joining the conversation is Dr. Kandace McGuire, the Chief of Breast Surgery and Surgical Leader of the Multidisciplinary Breast Health Center at VCU Massey. Dr. McGuire also serves as the Interim Senior Vice President of the Cancer Service Line at VCU Health. As a past president of the Association of Women Surgeons, she is a renowned expert in oncoplastic breast surgery and a tireless advocate for reducing health disparities and improving surgical outcomes for all patients.

Also sharing her expertise is Dr. Paschalia Mountziaris, an Associate Professor of Surgery and the Residency Program Director for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the VCU School of Medicine. With an MD/PhD background and specialized training from MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Mountziaris focuses on complex reconstructive microsurgery. Her work is dedicated to the physical and social recovery of her patients, helping them regain their confidence and quality of life through innovative aesthetic and reconstructive techniques.

Together, these experts discuss the importance of patient-informed choices, the evolution of reconstruction, and how VCU Massey is bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and compassionate community care. Tune in for an empowering look at the strides being made in breast cancer treatment and the team-based approach that is saving lives.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

In this special episode of Real Cancer Talk, recorded live from the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in San Diego, Dr. Rob Winn sits down with Dr. Monica Baskin to discuss the intersection of cutting-edge science and community impact.

Dr. Baskin shares the impact of conferences like the AACR Annual Meeting and others have impacted her career. Against the backdrop of the meeting's theme, "Precision, Partnership, Purpose," they explore how the latest global breakthroughs in cancer research are being brought home to the communities served by the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

About Dr. Monica Baskin

Monica L. Baskin, Ph.D., is the interim director of the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, a role she assumed in the spring of 2026. A renowned expert in community outreach and engagement, Dr. Baskin also serves as the deputy director of research at Massey and associate dean for cancer innovation in the VCU School of Medicine.

Her research focuses on community-engaged approaches to cancer prevention, specifically addressing lifestyle factors like healthy eating and physical activity to reduce cancer disparities. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for ensuring that the benefits of scientific discovery reach all populations, particularly those in underserved rural and urban areas.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America’s cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care.

Working across all types of cancer, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000+ researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective ways to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer.

For more information, visit masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Winn sits down with Dr. Reshma Jagsi, a world-renowned leader in radiation oncology and a fierce advocate for equity in medicine. The conversation delves into the "North Star" of cancer care, maintaining humanity in an era of digital misinformation. Dr. Jagsi shares her insights on why the fight against cancer must be a global, unified effort and explores the critical importance of trust between patients and the scientific community.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America’s cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care.

Working across all types of cancer, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000+ researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective ways to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer.

For more information, visit masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY.

Science, Soul, and Survival: Navigating Myeloma and Brain Health

In this episode of Facts and Faith Fridays series, Dr. Rob Winn, Dr. Jessica Young Brown and community faith leaders are joined by Dr. Joseph Mikhael and Sharon Napper to discuss the latest insights into myeloma and brain health.

Dr. Joseph Mikhael is a Professor in the Clinical Genomics and Therapeutics Division at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, an affiliate of City of Hope Cancer Center. He is also the Chief Medical Officer of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and Director of Myeloma research at the HonorHealth Research Institute. Dr. Mikhael specializes clinically in plasma cell disorders, namely multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.

Sharon Napper has been a resident of Virginia since 1999. She has served her community as a special education teacher assistant, pediatric nurse, cardiac acute care nurse, orthopedic step-down nurse, and a medical surgery clinical nurse for 21 years in the central Virginia area. Over recent years she has seen the need for more education and outreach in the community dealing with our great struggles with food insecurity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and Alzheimer's and as a whole healthcare inequality in the commonwealth of Virginia.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxYtCxUnAcc&t=2284s

Facts & Faith Fridays Website: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/

Massey Website: masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Twitter: /vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

"It’s easy to say 'I'll do it later'...until later becomes too late. Here is why the time for your colorectal screening is right now."

Join Dr. Robert Winn (Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center) and Community Clovia as they sit down with survivor and advocate Julianne Duvall, executive director of CancerLINC, a Richmond non-profit that links cancer patients and their families to legal, financial, and community resources to solve the non-medical obstacles that arise with a cancer diagnosis. Julianne shares her personal journey from diagnosis to activism, while also highlighting the tools and resources provided by CancerLINC to patients and their families. Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or someone looking to learn the facts about colorectal cancer, this episode offers the insight and encouragement you need to prioritize your wellness.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

In this episode of Real Cancer Talk, Dr. Rob Winn sits down with VCU men’s basketball head coach Phil Martelli Jr. to discuss leadership, teamwork and the shared fight against cancer. Coach Odom reflects on building a culture of excellence at VCU and shares his personal connection and experience with cancer through the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative. From lessons learned on the court to inspiration from patients and families, this conversation highlights the power of resilience, unity and purpose.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America’s cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care.

Working across all types of cancer, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000+ researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective ways to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer.

For more information, visit masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY.

In this impactful episode of Real Cancer Talk, host Dr. Rob Winn and the Facts and Faith Fridays team welcome Dr. B. Cameron 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 shares insights from his experience in health policy and clinical practice, highlighting why "meeting people where they are" is more than just a catchphrase—it’s a necessary strategy for saving lives.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxYtCxUnAcc&t=2284s

Facts & Faith Fridays Website: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/

Massey Website: masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Twitter: /vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

In this special Black History Month episode, Dr. Todd Adams joins Dr. Rob Winn and Community Clovia to bridge the gap between historical medical distrust in clinical trials and the life-saving "good news" of modern radiation oncology. Dr. Adams breaks down how radiation therapy has evolved from a blunt tool into a precise, targeted treatment, and why understanding your options is the first step toward resilience.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

In this powerful closing episode of our special collaborative series between The Cancer Letter and Real Cancer Talk celebrating Black History Month, we sit down with Dr. Joni Nelson, the Assistant Director for the Office of Workforce Development at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Reflecting on a month of honoring history and looking toward the future, Dr. Nelson shares her expertise on the critical intersection of education, workforce representation, and community outreach. We dive into her role in shaping the SC CADRE initiative and how MUSC is leading the way in training a more inclusive generation of oncology professionals to better serve all patient populations.

More from The Cancer Letter: https://cancerletter.com/

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education. Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

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 early mentors, his time as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, and his fascinating detour into Japanese biotechnology research, where he even authored a book in Japanese. Dr. Brock explains how he balances the rigors of thoracic surgery with a passion for ensuring cutting-edge research is accessible for everyone. He emphasized that "it's not about getting a seat at the table because of your race... it's because you are excellent in what you do."

Key highlights include:

• Dr. Brock’s transition from Japanese studies to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
• The role of "love" and human connection in modern oncology.
• Insights into developing molecular biomarkers for earlier cancer diagnosis.
• A celebration of Black excellence in the history of medicine.

More from The Cancer Letter: https://cancerletter.com/

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.