Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures Press Pack Q&A's

Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures, an observational documentary series that will explore the pioneering research that could transform the future of cancer detection, treatment and prevention.

The 3 x 60-minute brand-funded series, produced by Dragonfly North (part of Banijay UK) from its Manchester base, and brokered by WPP’s EssenceMediacom, is a new collaboration with Cancer Research UK that will take viewers inside what has been described as the “Golden Age of cancer research.” 

It will follow Professor Sarah Blagden, who is developing a groundbreaking lung cancer prevention vaccine in what she calls a “once in a generation opportunity,” neurosurgeon and scientist Associate Professor Richard Mair, who treats patients with hard-to-treat brain cancers, and Professor Caroline Dive, who is working on blood tests to detect cancer before it shows up on a scan.

As well as following patients and families undergoing life-saving treatments, the series will also explore the personal backstories and motivations that drive these world-class scientists.

The partnership was brokered by media agency WPP’s EssenceMediacom, which leveraged audience insight to identify Channel 4 as the ideal platform for reaching socially conscious viewers with this programming. 

The series will be promoted from late November across Channel 4’s Facebook, Instagram and streaming platforms.  Cancer Research UK will support with a fully integrated multi-channel campaign to extend reach and engagement.  The three self-contained documentary films aim to deepen public understanding of research into cancer, drive participation, and connect new audiences to Cancer Research UK through purpose-led storytelling.