Launch of 'Rewriting Cancer': A new branded series explores cancer prevention, treatment, care, research, and lived experience

UICC is set to launch a new film series titled ‘Rewriting Cancer’, produced for UICC by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, at the World Cancer Congress in Geneva on Tuesday 17 September.

The UICC-BBC StoryWorks series of approximately five-minute branded films features people with lived experience, caregivers working on the ground researchers aiming to deliver treatments and advanced diagnosis tools, while addressing disparities in cancer outcomes worldwide.

Attendees at the World Cancer Congress will have the opportunity to view the films in a dedicated room, where they will be shown on rotation throughout the event, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the content in a relaxed and reflective environment.

The films will then be showcased on a dedicated microsite on uicc.org and BBC.com, bringing these stories to a global audience.

Characterised by human-centric storytelling and artistic cinematography, the series seeks to change the conversation around cancer by showcasing stories of hope, innovation, and resilience. By featuring diverse voices and untold stories, Rewriting Cancer aims to not only inform and educate but also to inspire those within the global cancer community.

One of the key films in the series focuses on the early detection of breast cancer in Kenya, made possible through a grant to the International Cancer Institute (ICI) channeled by UICC.

This film will be presented at the World Cancer Congress during a session on storytelling, underlining the power of narrative and the role it plays in raising public awareness. The session is scheduled for Tuesday 17 September at 12.50pm CEST, and a recording will be available for all registered participants, and later in the year to the general public.

The Rewriting Cancer series comprises some 27 branded films, divided into three thematic chapters:

1. Changing the Odds: This section explores the social, environmental, and behavioural factors that can influence cancer incidence and highlights initiatives aimed at reducing cancer rates through prevention, screening, and early detection.
2. Changing the Outcome: Focused on advances in treatment and monitoring, this chapter examines new technologies, precision medicine, and the empowerment of patients through knowledge and decision-making.
3. Changing the Experience: This final chapter delves into the lived experiences of cancer patients, addressing mental health, support for caregivers, and the impact of cancer on different demographics, including children.

View the trailer and discover the series starting Tuesday 17 September

The series will be promoted actively after the World Cancer Congress, through to the end of the year and in the run-up to World Cancer Day 2025 on 4 February.