Channel has ordered Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures, an observational documentary series that will explore the pioneering research that could transform the future of cancer detection, treatment and prevention.
The 3 x 60-minute brand-funded series, produced by Dragonfly North (part of Banijay UK) from its Manchester base, is a new collaboration with Cancer Research UK that will take viewers inside what has been described as the “Golden Age of cancer research.”
It will follow Professor Sarah Blagden, who is developing a groundbreaking lung cancer prevention vaccine in what she calls a “once in a generation opportunity,” neurosurgeon and scientist Associate Professor Richard Mair, who treats patients with hard-to-treat brain cancers, and Professor Caroline Dive, who is working on blood tests to detect cancer before it shows up on a scan.
As well as following patients and families undergoing life-saving treatments, the series will also explore the personal backstories and motivations that drive these world-class scientists.
Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said: “Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures shines a light on the groundbreaking scientific research currently taking place to detect, prevent and treat cancer. It has been great to partner with Dragonfly and Cancer Research UK on this series and see these amazing scientists at work, as they make amazing breakthroughs already benefitting patients in ways that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.”
Will Rowson, Co-Creative Director at Dragonfly, said: “This has been a fascinating and eye-opening series to make. We’re enormously grateful to the scientists who have let us into their worlds, to the wonderful hospitals doing extraordinary work and of course to the very special people who have shared their cancer journeys with us.”
Phil Almond, Executive Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement at Cancer Research UK said: “This series offers a powerful glimpse into the future of cancer research – a future where more people live longer, better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments. It shows how breakthroughs are already changing lives and highlights the people behind them. We’re especially thankful to the scientists, clinicians and patients who shared their stories. Their openness and experiences bring home what progress really means for those affected by cancer.”
Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures was produced by Dragonfly North, Developed and Executive Produced by both Will Rowson and Paul Windle, Series Director was Nick Shaw and the Series Producer was Valerie Mellon. Director of Production and Operations Alison Seymour, Production Executive Isabelle Burn, Production Manager Rachael Fish, Legal and Business Affairs Nina Evans. Post Production by Home Post Production. It was commissioned for Channel 4 by Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual.
Pippa Considine
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