I have rarely been as excited about a new documentary film as I am about “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies,” by the wonderful documentary film maker Ken Burns, which will air on PBS channels on March 30th, 31st, and April 1st, 2015. The 6 hour documentary is based on the award winning book of the same title by Siddhartha Mukherjee.
I read the book the year of my treatments and it is absolutely fascinating and beautifully written. Mukherjee, a hematologist and oncologist by training, received his undergraduate degree in Biology at Stanford, a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University, his Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School, followed by an oncology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
It was during the oncology fellowship that he began his research into the history of cancer as he tried to learn more about the illness that despite treatment breakthroughs, has remained largely a mystery since the days of ancient Egypt when it was first recorded in medical records. Mukherjee writes about the disease of cancer as if he’s writing a biography of the illness; this Pulitzer Prize winning book reads like a novel.
The prominent researchers and doctors featured in the film share their sense of excitement and optimism about the current state of cancer research, many of them describing this era as a true turning point in our understanding of cancer. Mukherjee shares that, “We are finally beginning to understand cancer at the cellular and molecular level and are on the cusp of a breakthrough.” Dr José Baselga from Memorial Sloan Kettering boldly states, “This is the moment for cancer, it’s happening.”
Of course, on a personal level, I want this to be true and watching the trailer below has gotten me more upbeat and excited about the current state of cancer research than almost anything I’ve read or seen to date.
The video below also reveals that the project is quite personal to Burns, as his own mother was diagnosed with cancer when he was only 2, and in fact died of cancer when he was 11 years old, making this a true passion project for him. He shares that his mother’s cancer informed his life and his passion for film-making, and says that in a way, he simply couldn’t turn away from this project and felt that everything led him towards it.
Below is the preview of the film, which will give you the sense of excitement and energy that Burns and Mukherjee bring to this very complex and mysterious disease. I would encourage you to read the book and watch the documentary. I know that reading the book gave me a much better grasp of the history of the disease as well as a better understanding of both the challenges and successes researchers are facing today. I truly believe we are at the tipping point of research and understanding of the cause of this disease and hope that this video will inspire new and young researchers to join the search for a cure.
I read that book awhile ago, but that was before cancer was repeatedly diagnosed in my family. I am sure in Ken Burns’ capable hands it will be a wonderful documentary. So glad you are looking forward to it, Claudia.
Cathy Chester recently posted…My Truth About Being Sick And Tired
So interesting that you read the book, Cathy! I’d love to talk to you about it, I thought it was fascinating. xo
I am looking forward to it too. It is one of those series where I know I will want to see the end first because the beginning will not be as encouraging as the end.
Haralee recently posted…I have Wedding Fatigue and Baby Bliss
Well, I hope that we both come away with a glimmer of hope, Haralee! xo
As a cancer survivor, I’m really looking forward to this.
Holly recently posted…Week 2: Middle-Aged Personal Training at Encore Fitness
Me too, Holly!
Thanks for sharing this Claudia! I’ve already marked my calendar. I haven’t read the book but it sounds very fascinating.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…THE BULLY…#1000SPEAK
Yes, I think it’s going to be a wonderful documentary. Hope you enjoy it!
Hi Claudia,
I am looking forward to watching this documentary too, although I just realized I’ll be traveling on the first night. Might have to set my DVR. I read the book, too, and thought it was well done. I remember thinking to myself how lucky Dr. Mukherjee’s patients are/were.
Hi Nancy – Yes, you must DVR it! I expect it to be really well done, Ken Burns is wonderful. I thought the book was fascinating. I gave a copy to my breast surgeon as a thank you, after all the surgeries were done, and she loved it. Will look forward to your opinion after the series is complete.
One of the things that amazed me in reading the book was how Dr. Mukherjee was able to take such a complex history and make it a very readable story. I too am looking forward to watching the documentary!
Exactly what I thought. He writes in a very accessible way about a very complex disease and the way he brings in personal stories, really helped me understand the science more clearly.
I’m going to have to check this book out. Thank you for this post. Tonight in our community Arizona Public Media is hosting a free Cancer Documentaries Screening. It will focus on a local family’s story but will also highlight the Ken Burns Documentary. Perhaps I’ll have to post on my experience tonight. Always looking for those moments of inspiration!
I’m really looking forward to it, he does such good work and the book is amazing. I’ll look for your post on tonight’s event, sounds interesting!
Looks amazing. And hopeful.
jamie@southmainmuse recently posted…Those Damnable Coathangers. Or No Good Deed Goes Unpunished.
Thank you for this post, Claudia. I will be watching and hope many others will, as well.
With heart & blessings,
Dani
Dani recently posted…The Science of Compassion #1000Speak
It really looks good, doesn’t it, Dani? xo
I dvr’d it and watch it slowly — trying to really understand all the scientic information. I believe my Mom was either on herceptin or in a herceptin trial in 1992. Great series.
Didn’t realize your mom was on Herceptin, Julie. I may have to go back and read the book again, so much information to absorb.