"I didn't come here to just be another doctor. I came here to ask the questions that nobody else was asking, because if we don't look at the genetics of everyone, we aren't practicing medicine; we’re just practicing a subset of it."

In this powerful episode of The Cancer Letter, Dr. Rob Winn sits down with a true giant in the field of oncology: Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade.

As the Director of the Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health at the University of Chicago and a 2025 MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient, Dr. Olopade has dedicated her career to unraveling the complexities of breast cancer and championing health equity on a global scale.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The "Genius" Journey: Dr. Olopade’s reflections on being in the top 1% of the 1% and how her background shaped her mission.
• Advancing the Field: How her work in clinical genetics is changing the way we understand and treat cancer for diverse populations.
• The Mission of Equity: Why global health and local impact must go hand-in-hand to improve outcomes for all patients.

Join us for an intimate look at the life and legacy of a researcher whose work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer care.

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.

“The idea that I would not go to college was just not acceptable.”

In this episode of The Cancer Letter, Dr. Robert Winn sits down with the legendary Dr. Otis Brawley, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins and former Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Brawley shares a deeply personal look into his upbringing in Detroit, discussing how his parents, who did not finish high school, instilled in him an unshakable expectation of excellence and higher education. He reflects on the "giants" of the oncology field and provides a poignant critique of the systemic barriers that historically discouraged minority students from pursuing careers in science and medicine. This conversation serves as both a history lesson and a call to action for the next generation of medical leaders.

• The Power of Expectations: How Dr. Brawley’s parents and teachers fostered a mindset of "thinking and expressing oneself" despite socioeconomic challenges.
• A Detroit Legacy: Memories of growing up in a household where the pursuit of science was normalized, even when society suggested otherwise.
• Breaking Barriers: Insights into the historical context of Black professionals in medicine and the importance of mentorship.
• Reflections on Giants: A look at the impact of Black leaders in oncology during Black History Month.

Whether you are a medical professional, a student, or someone interested in the intersection of social justice and healthcare, Dr. Brawley’s story offers a masterclass in resilience and the pursuit of scientific truth.

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.

"We’ve made progress, but we’ve got to remember that there’s just more to do."

In this latest installment of our Community Conversations series, Delegate Delores McQuinn joins Dr. Robert Winn and Clovia Lawrence to discuss the intersection of policy and the fight against cancer. Delegate McQuinn reflects on her years of service in the Virginia General Assembly, what the Virginia Cancer Caucus is and why she remains "full throttle" when it comes to advocating for her constituents' health and well-being.

From the halls of the State Capitol to the neighborhoods of Richmond, this episode explores how we can bridge the gap between policy and the people it serves. Tune in to hear why community-led discussions are the heartbeat of progress in the fight against cancer.

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 bonus episode of Real Cancer Talk, Dr. Robert Winn is joined by Dr. Katherine Tossas, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of Catchment Area Data Analytics (CADA), and Dr. Chelsea Salyer, a gynecologic oncologist and lead for the gynecologic oncology clinical trial program at VCU Health, for a discussion focused on Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the latest updates in cervical cancer screenings.

Dr. Salyer discusses some of the misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer worldwide, important symptoms or signs and why cervical cancer is actually "eradicable". Dr. Tossas then shares her personal story with cervical cancer and what the experience taught her about the disease and prevention. LAter the three discuss the latest updates in cervical cancer screening and what the process is like for patients. Finally, Dr. Winn asks what men can do to help prevent cervical cancer.

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 Massey leads an important conversation on protecting our health together by addressing HPV and cervical cancer prevention. OB-GYN specialist Dr. Tashima Lambert Giles shares powerful patient stories and explains how cervical cancer develops, who is most at risk, and why routine screening such as Pap tests and HPV testing remains one of the most effective tools for early detection and prevention. Pediatric nurse practitioner Janice McGirt highlights the critical role of the HPV vaccine, breaking down who should receive it, when to start, and why vaccination is essential for both girls and boys to prevent multiple HPV-related cancers. Together, the panel dispels common myths, answers audience questions, and emphasizes how education, access to care, and proactive prevention can save lives and reduce health disparities.

FFF 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 episode of Real Cancer Talk from VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Rob Winn sits down with Chris Williams, owner and CEO of the SMART Modified Tour (Southern Modified Auto Racing Teams Tour), to explore an unexpected but powerful idea: motorsports can help bring cancer education and care awareness to rural communities.

From the deep roots of modified racing to the tight-knit “family” culture of local tracks, Williams explains why racing is more than entertainment—it’s a community hub that reaches people where they are, especially in areas with fewer resources and fewer healthcare touchpoints. Dr. Winn connects that community-first mindset to a shared mission in cancer care: one team, one fight—and making sure people in rural regions know they have real options, real progress, and real science on their side.

The conversation even moves onto the track at North Wilkesboro Speedway, as Williams gives a behind-the-scenes tour—covering racing history, safety, speed, and why partnerships between healthcare and grassroots communities can change outcomes.

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 adapted from the Community Conversations podcast with Community Clovia, we welcome Dr. Kim Rhoads, the associate director of community outreach and engagement at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Rhoads provides insight on pancreatic cancer following the tragic passing of Richmond legend D'Angelo, why pancreatic cancer is more common in certain populations and what people in the community can do to be proactive in their healthcare. Later Dr. Rhoads shares about the purpose behind community engagement and why she chose to come to VCU Massey.

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 Community Conversations: The Black Health Wins episode, Miss Community Clovia Lawrence welcomes Dr. Robert Winn (VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center) and clinical social worker Freda Wilkins to talk about the holiday season’s emotional highs and lows when cancer is in the picture—whether someone is newly diagnosed, in treatment, surviving, or caregiving. They unpack why the holidays can amplify stress: disrupted routines, pressure to “show up,” fatigue from treatment, grief around empty seats at the table, and the painful spotlight of well-meaning comments (“you look different this year”). Freda offers practical language that helps—shifting from “Call me if you need anything” to specific, low-effort support like “I’m at the pharmacy—what can I pick up for you?” and asking “How are you feeling today?” to let the person guide the moment.

The episode then introduces Dr. Kim Rhoads, Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at VCU Massey, who explains what an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center is—and why community engagement is not “extra,” but a required, scored part of how cancer centers are evaluated. Dr. Rhoads emphasizes humility in care, equity and justice for Black and brown communities, and the need for a two-way relationship (“reach out” that expects people to “reach back”). She also speaks candidly about the limits of the current healthcare system (15–30 minute visits) and why community engagement teams can become the “hand to reach for” when people have questions or need connection. The conversation closes with ways to connect with Massey’s community outreach efforts.

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. Robert Winn sits down with Dr. Julian Adams—President and CEO of Stand Up To Cancer and one of the world’s leading oncology researchers—for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of cancer science.

Dr. Adams reflects on his journey from a childhood fascination with invention to decades of drug development in HIV and cancer, and how that path ultimately led him to Stand Up To Cancer. Together, he and Dr. Winn explore why curiosity is the DNA of science, why collaboration—not competition—drives real breakthroughs, and how Stand Up To Cancer’s “Dream Team” model is reshaping research by breaking down silos between institutions.

The conversation also dives into a bold shift in strategy: focusing on early detection and cancer interception rather than late-stage disease. Dr. Adams shares how high-risk, high-reward research funded by Stand Up To Cancer has helped transform treatments—highlighting groundbreaking work in rectal cancer that has achieved 100% tumor regression in select patients.

Grounded in transparency, trust, and real-world impact, this episode reminds listeners that science is not at odds with communities—it’s working on their behalf. From rural America to global cancer care, this is a conversation about hope, teamwork, and why investing in science means more people living long enough to show up for graduations, weddings, and everyday life.

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.

Lisa Manganello has been a librarian at South Brunswick High School for the past seventeen years, where she was recognized as Educator of the Year in 2015. An active member of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, Lisa presents regularly on information literacy. Recent presentations include Now What?: Information Literacy Lessons for the High School Library, Diverse Readers, Diverse Books: New Titles to Build a Culture of Reading, and Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Information Literacy with your Librarian. In January 2024, she published an article titled “Information Literacy begins in your school library” in NJEA Review Magazine. Partnering with Dr. Joyce Valenza, Professor of Information Science at Rutgers University, Lisa helped to develop the New Jersey Open Library Tour (NJOLT) to give pre-service and practicing librarians opportunities to visit and learn from their colleagues throughout the state. She is passionate about sharing her information literacy lessons with other educators and spotlighting the value of school librarians. She has also served as a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, where she helped to develop a course on school library climate and culture. Lisa’s work with media literacy has been featured in reports on NBC and CNN. She lives in Monmouth Junction, NJ with her husband, Matt and their two children, Andrew and Nicholas.

FFF 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.