Episode 66: Making cancer movies - sharing a powerful cancer story through film

What happens when someone living with cancer decides to pick up a camera and tell their story? In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Anne Isaksson, a cancer patient whose powerful film, This Is Everything, documents her diagnosis, treatment and recovery at Barts Health.

With treatment underway and the outcome uncertain, her film follows clinics, corridors, waiting and recovery as lived experience rather than explanation, using text subtitles instead of voiceover to move the narrative forward. Through stillness, observation and small bodily details, the film asks how you keep living - and making meaning - when survival becomes the only timeline.

Cancer can often feel overwhelming, confusing and isolating. Many people don't know what to expect after hearing the words "you have cancer", while friends and family can struggle to understand what their loved one is experiencing. Anne's film offer a unique window into that journey, capturing the reality of cancer with honesty, warmth and hope. 

Throughout the conversation, Steve and Anne explore why storytelling matters in healthcare and how film can become a powerful tool for supporting patients. They discuss the decision to document such a personal experience, the challenges of filming during treatment, and what Anne has learned about herself along the way. They also reflect on the incredible care she received from the teams at Barts Health and the importance of seeing the people behind the healthcare system.

You can watch trailers for Anne's films:

This is Everything Trailer

https://vimeo.com/1186172442?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Kellie & Jenny Trailer 

https://vimeo.com/1221731545?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

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What is Taking Control of Cancer?

Welcome to Taking Control of Cancer, the podcast from the North East London Cancer Alliance. Think of us as your ‘how to’ guide when it comes to busting common cancer myths, overcoming fears and barriers, and improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.

This series aims to provide both patients and healthcare professionals with tangible things they can do to help when it comes to cancer. Whilst we know not all cancers are preventable, there are things we can all do that could make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of our family, friends and colleagues.

There are two underlying themes across all episodes – the importance of early diagnosis, and reducing health inequalities.

Host:
Steve Bland is an award-winning podcaster and producer and one of the three presenters of the BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C, which was set up by his first wife - BBC presenter Rachael Bland - before her death from triple negative breast cancer in 2018.

Regular guests:
Dr Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, North East London Cancer Alliance:
Angela is a driving force behind improving cancer diagnostics for residents across north east London. As Chief Medical Officer for the North East London Cancer Alliance, Angela works tirelessly on delivering innovation and service improvements for cancer patients.

Femi Odewale, Managing Director, North East London Cancer Alliance:
Femi leads the programme teams from the North East London Cancer Alliance across three core areas of work: Early Diagnosis, Diagnosis and Treatment, and Personalised Care.