Nationally renowned cancer center director to speak on importance of health for Black men | VTx

As a pulmonologist with a focus on lung cancer, Robert Winn has reached the pinnacle of his profession, becoming the director of one of only 71 cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to lead its research and training. At the VCU Massey Cancer Center, he is focused on eliminating health disparities and building a model for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the oncology workforce.

Winn, however, believes that the health and well-being of a community begins at home. As we approach Father’s Day, Winn encourages men to think about their own health and how it impacts their families and beyond.

“One in two men will be diagnosed with cancer, and the fact of the matter is that it could be prevented in many of them. Proper screening is the first step toward reversing these numbers and increasing overall health,” said Winn. “Men matter! Having a dialogue about cancer prevention is not a suggestion; it is critical to the well-being of every man and to the foundation of every community.”

Winn, the first Black director at an NCI-designated cancer center, is visiting the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine for a talk called “Generational Health: An Intimate Conversation on Black Men and Health Disparities.” Hosted by the Black Father Family Initiative, a partnership with the United Way of Roanoke Valley, the event will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 14.

William Lee, the founding chairman of New Horizons Healthcare and the former pastor of Roanoke’s Loudon Avenue Christian Church, will join Winn for the discussion. It is open to the public and free of charge with a suggested donation to Black Father Family, but registration is required. To learn more about the event and to register, please click here.