Health Issues: Cancer

Watch Health Issues: Cancer

  • 2005
  • 1 Season

Health Issues: Cancer is a groundbreaking series from PBS that offers insight into the most common cancer types affecting people today. Over eight episodes, the documentary offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the complex medical and scientific aspects of cancer, as well as the personal and emotional struggles surrounding diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

The series features interviews with leading oncologists, researchers, and medical professionals, as well as cancer survivors, and their loved ones. The show offers a range of perspectives on the disease and covers a vast array of topics ranging from the biology of tumors and cancer genetics to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The show delves into the latest cancer research, such as immunotherapy, and explores the challenges that these treatments present along with their potential benefits.

Health Issues: Cancer is an informative and compassionate series that educates viewers on the latest advancements in cancer treatment and helps them better understand the impact of the disease on the lives of people who have been affected by it. It is a valuable resource for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, as well as family members and caregivers who support them.

Each episode of Health Issues: Cancer focuses on a specific type of cancer – such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer – and provides an in-depth examination of the disease. The series takes a multi-dimensional approach, investigating the various angles of cancer, including epidemiology, risk factors, treatment options, and survivorship. The show also examines the impact of cancer on the lives of loved ones and caregivers.

The series offers an illuminating perspective on cancer biology, exploring the various mechanisms behind the formation and growth of tumors. The show explains how cancer genetics impacts susceptibility, diagnosis, and treatment options, and describes the physiological and environmental factors that promote carcinogenesis, such as tobacco use, diet, and UV radiation. Through interviews with scientists and researchers, Health Issues: Cancer investigates new therapies in the pipeline for different types of cancer, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and CAR-T cell therapy.

The documentary also tackles the difficult issues surrounding cancer treatment, including the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, the psychological impact of cancer on patients and their loved ones, and the role of palliative care in improving the quality of life of patients. Health Issues: Cancer reveals the challenges faced by patients with cancer, such as financial burdens, employment discrimination, and social isolation, and highlights the importance of cancer support groups and patient advocacy groups in addressing these issues.

From diagnosis to survivorship, Health Issues: Cancer covers every aspect of the cancer experience, and offers practical advice and insights to help patients, caregivers, and survivors navigate the complex world of cancer care. The series provides a wealth of resources, including tips for coping with the disease, managing side-effects, and accessing financial and legal support.

Overall, Health Issues: Cancer is an important documentary series that offers a comprehensive and empathetic look at cancer, the leading cause of death worldwide. The show aims to educate viewers about cancer, support those affected by the disease, and raise awareness about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection. Through its balanced and nuanced approach, Health Issues: Cancer is a valuable resource for individuals and families impacted by cancer, and a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, advocacy, and hope in the face of adversity.

Health Issues: Cancer is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between November 19, 2005 and on PBS

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Seasons
The Whys of Angelina Jolie's Preventative Double Mastectomy
10. The Whys of Angelina Jolie's Preventative Double Mastectomy
May 14, 2009
The issues surrounding Angelina Jolie's preventative double mastectomy is the subject of this discussion with genetic counselor Beth Peshkin of Georgetown University and Dr. Kenneth Offit of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Center in New York. Gwen Ifill is the moderator.
First Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of Breast Cancer Could Change Treatment
9. First Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of Breast Cancer Could Change Treatment
September 23, 2008
The discovery of four distinct types of breast cancer could lead to new treatments in the future. Judy Woodruff talks to National Cancer Institute's Dr. Harold Varmus.
Promising Breast Cancer Treatment Averts 'Collateral Damage' to Healthy Cells
8. Promising Breast Cancer Treatment Averts 'Collateral Damage' to Healthy Cells
June 4, 2008
Researchers believe they are on track to create a drug that would specifically target cancer cells, while largely leaving healthy cells undamaged. Gwen Ifill talks with Dr. Michael Link of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
How Aspirin May Help Prevent Certain Kinds of Cancer
7. How Aspirin May Help Prevent Certain Kinds of Cancer
March 20, 2008
Can a daily low dose of aspirin could potentially combat a variety of cancers? Ray Suarez discusses the question with Harvard Medical School's Dr. Andrew Chan, who wrote a commentary on the studies.
Cancer Treatment: Are Personalized Molecular Profiles in Our Future?
6. Cancer Treatment: Are Personalized Molecular Profiles in Our Future?
January 12, 2008
In the 40 years since the federal government declared war on cancer, much has been learned. Still the diseases continue to claim more lives each year. Health correspondent Betty Ann Bowser reports on the past, present and future of cancer treatment.
Kids and Cancer: Why Pediatric Cancer
5. Kids and Cancer: Why Pediatric Cancer
January 11, 2008
Cure Rates Have Improved So Much The last 40 years has seen many positive developments in treating pediatric cancers.. Health correspondent Betty Ann Bowser reports.
Patients, Doctors Face Tough Questions Amid Changes in Prostate Cancer Screening
4. Patients, Doctors Face Tough Questions Amid Changes in Prostate Cancer Screening
October 19, 2007
Government recommendations on prostate cancer screening have raised questions in the medical community. Health correspondent Betty Ann Bowser reports on some of the reaction among patients and doctors.
New Promise Shown in Treatments for Melanoma, Breast Cancer
3. New Promise Shown in Treatments for Melanoma, Breast Cancer
June 5, 2007
Doctors are energized about the prospects for treating advanced cases of deadly skin cancer and the possibility of a new breast cancer drug. Judy Woodruff talks with Dr. George Sledge of The American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Telling the Story Behind Cancer
2. Telling the Story Behind Cancer
January 24, 2007
Health correspondent Betty Ann Bowser talks to Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer," a history of the perception and treatment of cancer.
Cancer Screening Debate Reveals Risks, Benefits of Testing
1. Cancer Screening Debate Reveals Risks, Benefits of Testing
November 19, 2005
New guidelines on when, and how often, women should be screened for breast and cervical cancer stirred questions and confusion. Margaret Warner talks to health experts for insight.
Description
Where to Watch Health Issues: Cancer
Health Issues: Cancer is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Health Issues: Cancer on demand at Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    November 19, 2005