Logos the BBC Storyworks/UICC cancer series entitled 'Rewriting cancer'

Rewriting cancer

This advertisement feature series, produced for UICC by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, aims to dispel myths, aims to dispel myths and showcase advancements in cancer prevention, treatment, and care through the lens of people with lived experience.

Two people stand side by side outdoors near a shoreline at sunset, looking toward the horizon. The scene is warmly lit with soft golden light and a partly cloudy sky. In the foreground, one person wears a sleeveless dark top and short hair with earrings, while the other wears a light purple floral-patterned dress with hair pulled back. In the background, there are palm trees and what appears to be a marina or moored boats, slightly out of focus, creating a calm coastal setting.

Changing the odds

Enhancing awareness and accessibility of cancer screening, early detection, and diagnosis

The AI ‘speed reading’ scans – Helping radiologists identify lung cancer 

Early diagnosis is critical in the race against lung cancer – but the momentum can be slowed down by the manual task of evaluating these scans. Discover how AI is being used to do a primary read of scans, helping radiologists like Sam more quickly and confidently identify potential lung cancer. Produced for Deep Health.

Community workers in rural Kenya support women with breast cancer 

Alice didn’t know that she was living with cancer until her community health worker Rose came to visit. Find out how early detection and education can help boost the awareness of cancer in rural areas and ensure people living with cancer aren’t alone in their illness. Produced for UICC by BBC StoryWorks.

A personalised approach – How a tailored approach to cancer treatments is taking off

Kathy is an avid flyer with an indefatigable zest for life; a quality that has not been shaken by her cancer diagnoses. Discover how a personalised treatment plan for her pancreatic cancer is helping her live each day to its fullest. Produced for the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee.

Accelerating the creation of treatments – How AI could transform the race against cancer 

Cancer is fast – but developing a new cancer medicine is not. Uncover the opportunities artificial intelligence could bring in speeding up the time it takes to test and make new medicines available for those living with the disease. Produced for McKinsey & Company.

The rural respiratory programme –  Providing lung health for remote communities

When Cleusa was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, she needed support attending her appointments in the city. Find out how a respiratory programme is helping to support people living in remote communities manage their health challenges by making cancer screening and treatment more accessible and inclusive. Produced for AstraZeneca.

The science behind targeting tumours – The pursuit of new cancer treatments 

The biology of cancer cells can make them hard to target without damaging other cells in the process. Uncover how immunotherapy treatments are continually evolving, and what “masking” and “conditional activation” have to do with more effectively targeting tumours. Produced for CytomX Therapeutics.

The man and the mountain – Enabling enriched lives while living with cancer

Elden grew up by Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia and hoped he’d one day climb it – and following his lung cancer diagnosis, he did. Discover how targeted therapy of a cancer-causing mutation have helped transform treatments for people living with lung cancer. Produced for AstraZeneca.

Creating new tools for treatment – More options for treating skin cancer 

Alison used to love being outdoors, though that changed when she learned she had skin cancer. Discover how she regained the confidence to go outside. Produced for SkinCare.

The exciting future of targeted therapies – Exploring new ways to target cancer cells

What are antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and how can they transform targeted cancer therapies? Discover how scientists are working to unlock the full potential of ADCs to improve outcomes for patients. Produced for Pfizer.

How biosimilars could help reduce treatment cost in cancer care for some health providers 

What is a biosimilar – and how could it help bring more options for cancer treatment to patients? Discover the science behind targeted cancer therapies and the potential they have in cancer care. Produced for Celltrion Inc.

Helping people get back in the game – Treating rare cancer with targeted therapy

Susana has always loved volleyball, but after being diagnosed with lymphoma, she found her symptoms so painful she stopped playing. Through ongoing conversations with her doctor, she has found ways to treat her cancer while maintaining her quality of life and getting back in the game. Produced for BeiGene.

The race against drug-resistant infections – The impact of AMR on people living with cancer 

While undergoing treatment for lymphoma, antibiotics saved Kristin’s life when she developed neutropenic sepsis, a life-threatening complication of some cancer treatments that can lead to overwhelming infection. Learn more about Kristin’s story, and the impact of antimicrobial resistance on cancer care. Produced for Pfizer.

Changing the experience

Championing quality of life for people with cancer

Creating and empowering survivors – The lifestyle approach to cancer

Cancer affects not just the patient, but the whole family. This episode will explore those wider familial effects, spotlighting support mechanisms available for caregivers, for example educational resources, family workshops and psychological support. Produced for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Florida.

The music of hope – Helping families enjoy life beyond cancer

Diego was only 17 when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. To assist his treatment journey, Diego took part in a supportive care programme, in tandem with his clinical care. Discover how these programmes can support young people and their families as they manage the impact of cancer treatment. Produced for City of Hope.

An app to navigate loneliness and mental wellbeing during cancer

When Sara’s diagnosis left her feeling isolated, she realised how important it was to take care of her mental health. Find out how an app has helped her feel less alone on her journey with the disease. Produced for Calm.

How to unlock the ‘whole picture’ – Using an app to help people living with cancer

When Svanhildur’s active lifestyle was interrupted by her cancer diagnosis, she struggled to find her way back to her energetic self. See how a personalised health app is helping people living with the disease to track everything from their sleep to their diet, giving them greater control over creating their new normal. Produced for Sidekick Health.

 

The thermal centre for skin and self – Tackling the side effects of cancer

Lawrence’s journey with cancer went beyond the condition itself, as he suffered side effects like constant pain and an inability to sweat. With as many as 80% of cancer patients suffering from skin conditions, see how oncologists are working with new approaches for the side effects of treatment, helping people regain their sense of self. Produced for La Roche-Posay.

Meeting people where they are – Remote cancer care for rural communities

Aimee, a carer living in rural Tennessee, describes the day she was diagnosed with breast cancer as her “shatter-day”. Find out how remote healthcare and her neighbourhood clinic have allowed Aimee to receive comprehensive support and piece her life back together. Produced for Tennessee Oncology.

The House on the Water – A haven supporting people living through cancer

Esther discovered a special place while she was working through the lasting impact of her cancer. Discover how the House on the Water has helped nurture her passion for volunteering while helping Esther and others find their way through cancer. Produced for KWF.

 

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