Wilson Cancer Patients Benefit from Duke Expertise

With support from the Duke Cancer Network, Wilson Medical Center continues to advance cancer care for people in the community. 

By Bryant Washington 

Cancer patients in the Wilson community gain many of the benefits of a large medical center through a relationship between Wilson Medical Center and the Duke Cancer Network (DCN). This affiliation has helped Wilson Medical Center enhance cancer testing, treatment, and research close to home. 

Wilson Medical Center is working to find cancer earlier. With support from Duke, Wilson now offers low-dose CT scans that help detect lung cancer. “Wilson can find small lung changes early and closely follow patients from the start,” said Linda Sutton, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Duke Cancer Network. 

Wilson has team members who help guide patients on next steps, supporting timely and appropriate care. Once cancer is found, Wilson Medical Center offers advanced treatment options with support from DCN. When Wilson urologist Jordan Brady, MD, sought to offer cancer medicine delivered directly into the bladder, he needed staff capable of providing that treatment. “We supported Dr. Brady by training the staff based on proven care steps that Duke has found effective in providing this advanced treatment safely,” Sutton said. 

Doctors and care teams at Wilson and Duke also work together to plan cancer care. They take part in shared meetings to review cases and make sure care is well coordinated. 

Since September 2025, Duke thoracic surgeons have held a monthly clinic at Wilson Medical Center to see patients who may need lung surgery. These visits happen alongside Wilson lung doctors. Working together helps doctors communicate better and improves care for patients. 

Wilson and Duke also host a yearly educational event for local primary care doctors. Together, they choose topics that are important to the community and lead the sessions as a team. “The teamwork between Duke and Wilson doctors improves the quality of cancer care in the community and allows patients to receive as much care as possible close to home,” Sutton said. 

When standard cancer treatments do not work, Wilson patients may be able to join research studies through the Duke Cancer Network. These studies give patients access to new treatment options that may not be widely available yet. “Research studies can give patients hope when choices are limited,” Sutton said. Getting this care close to home also helps patients stay near family and friends.  

The affiliation has also focused on building strong systems, including adding a Wilson staff member to help organize research efforts and support high-quality cancer care. 

 The relationship between Duke Cancer Network and Wilson Medical Center is focused on supporting patients at every step, from diagnosis through treatment and, when appropriate, participation in research studies.  

 “Our partnership is not about doing things the Duke way everywhere,” Sutton said. “It is about understanding the community’s needs and enhancing the hospital’s capabilities to ensure the highest quality care for each patient, wherever they are. We work together to help every patient achieve the best possible outcome.” 

Dr. Andre Dixon recently published an article for the Wilson Times about the most recent Cancer Symposium, held this past March, which appeared in this space. 

If you or a loved one needs cancer care or support, contact the team at Wilson Medical Center through our website, or by calling 252-399-8040. 

Bryant Washington, MBA/MHA, BSN, RN, OCN, is Senior Director of the Duke Cancer Network