Episode 66: Making cancer films

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.

The episode also explores the wider impact films such as this can have. For someone who has just been diagnosed, they can help reduce fear by showing what treatment is really like. For those currently receiving treatment, they can provide reassurance that they are not alone. For family members and friends, they offer greater understanding of what someone living with cancer may be experiencing. And for people who have noticed possible cancer symptoms but have been putting off seeking help, Anne's story is a reminder that early diagnosis and timely treatment save lives.

This is ultimately a conversation about courage, creativity and connection. Anne's film demonstrates that sharing personal experiences can help others feel informed, supported and hopeful. By making cancer conversations more open and accessible, they encourage people to seek advice when something doesn't feel right, engage confidently with their treatment, and recognise that although every cancer journey is different, nobody has to face it alone.

Whether you've been affected by cancer yourself, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to better understand the patient experience, this episode offers an inspiring and deeply human perspective on the power of storytelling in cancer care.

Download and have a listen now:

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4h3E43z

Apple: https://bit.ly/4gT2Kvy

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4iWkvww

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3TiXIAN

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