Welcome to Community Conversations, a podcast hosted by Community Clovia, where real talk meets real impact. Join regular guest Dr. Robert Winn, director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and special guest Jennifer Pegher from the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), as they explore how AACI’s work is transforming cancer care across the country. From improving cancer screening and prevention to advancing treatment and advocacy, each episode dives into the stories, science, and strategies that are changing lives. Whether you're a patient, provider, or passionate about public health, this show brings the cancer conversation to your community.

This interview originally aired in June 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions in the country that leads and shapes America's cancer research efforts. 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.

Clinical trials are not experimental. They are an extension of the standard of care and personalized for the individual.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia welcomed cancer survivor and Massey Cancer Champion Mary Simmons to share her journey. Simmons speaks passionately about how clinical trials at Massey saved her life after a diagnosis of acute lymphoma leukemia gave her only two weeks to live. Dr. Winn, Community Clo and Simmons then talk about her advocacy for clinical trials as an extension of standard care and dispel the myth that clinical trials are experimental.

This interview originally aired in April 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions in the country that leads and shapes America's cancer research efforts. 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.

Cancer prevention and screenings are widely available and contribute the reduction in cancer deaths that we're seeing.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia are joined by Dr. Electra Paskett, Chair of Cancer Prevention at Ohio State University to discuss the importance of cancer screenings and prevention. Dr. Paskett explains the widespread availability of cancer screenings and the data behind why screenings and cancer prevention are contributing to the reduction in cancer deaths. Then the conversation touches on the importance of community engagement to get more involved in cancer prevention and screenings.

This interview originally aired in March 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions in the country that leads and shapes America's cancer research efforts. 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.