A Story That Hit Pretty Close to Home and Makes You Think

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Cancer Conflict
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Thomas Meadmore
Writer(s): Nic Guttridge, Thomas Meadmore
Where To Watch: arriving on digital platforms on 19 September ahead of World Cancer Research Day on 24 September, courtesy of Java Films

This film hit home for me more than most; being a cancer survivor myself, I know all too well that familiar feeling of feeling lost. It’s easily the most terrifying moment of my life; it’s a conversation no one is ready to have, but many may have to. In a nutshell, the film centers around a group of patients who take various paths once they have been diagnosed. I appreciate that the film shows these journeys in the least biased way possible, supporting the actions on screen with facts and not their feelings towards the subject.

I remember being told I had cancer and the resulting flush of feelings. Going through the follow-up appointments, and the inevitable scanxiety (the anxiety of going through CT scans, MRIs, bloodwork, etc. after being diagnosed initially.) I understand why you would search out alternatives, wouldn’t want to pump yourself with toxic chemicals, etc. Thankfully I had surgery, and that was it; I avoided chemo and radiation. If I had a different treatment plan, I would’ve likely looked into other options as well.

The film dives into the issues with medical science and people's inherent lack of trust in the field. While I understand, I also realize that proven science is far more likely to help in cases like this than unproven miracle cures. That isn’t to say that some of these alternatives don’t help, or possibly even one that contains the magic answer to all the problems. It’s hard to say what anyone would do unless you were in their shoes; ultimately, it’s hard to tell anyone they’re wrong at that point.

One of the most critical aspects of the film was that they allowed these stories to unfold while still sharing evidence on both sides, never flat out saying something would or wouldn't work. I think it’s important to show both sides; in the end, though, your best bet is to follow facts and then research other solutions in addition as well.

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