Cancer isn’t exactly an entertaining subject. In 2019 alone, nearly 2 million people were diagnosed with the disease in the U.S. In 2017, an estimated 9.6 million people around the globe died from cancer. 

So while this harrowing disease and all of its various forms don’t exactly seem like “hot topics” for films, there are a few things to consider. First, so many people still aren’t educated enough about cancer. That includes understanding that certain groups might be at greater risk (and why they are). It also includes understanding how your overall health and the way you take care of your body may be able to make a difference in your susceptibility to the disease. 

Thankfully, there are several great documentaries about cancer that we can all learn from. Hollywood has also taken a few shots at depicting the disease in an accurate way as a means of not only entertaining viewers but educating them at the same time. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best silver screen selections about cancer, as well as some documentaries that shouldn’t be missed. 

Sickness on the Silver Screen

Anna Kendrick and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in “50/50” (Summit Entertainment, 2011).

Cancer affects more than just the person dealing with it. It can shake an entire family to its core, as well as friendships and even romantic relationships. Surprisingly, Hollywood hasn’t been shy about showcasing some of the realistic, grittier elements of the disease. Perhaps no film has done that better in recent years than 2011’s “50/50.” 

The film stars Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt and follows the story of a man who is diagnosed with spinal cancer. Though these two actors are mostly known for comedic performances, this movie walks the line between comedy and reality, showing just how much cancer can impact a friendship. It’s very realistic and tends to show the “human” side of what someone can go through with this disease. That’s likely because it’s based on the true story of the screenwriter, Will Reiser. 

The 2009 film “My Sister’s Keeper“ shows how cancer can impact a family, even causing discord between family members when it comes to medical care and what should or shouldn’t be done in order to save a life. 

Even though the 2014 film “The Fault in our Stars” is centered on a romance between two young teenagers, they both share something in common—they both have cancer. This movie and the book that preceded it have gained a huge following among young adult audiences, and it’s actually a fairly accurate description of how cancer can impact a relationship. The characters don’t exactly get the happy ending everyone’s rooting for, but it shows how quickly cancer can change a life. 

Combat Vets and Cancer-Causing Chemicals

A scene from “The Care They’ve Earned” (2018).

Certain groups of people, either in different cultures or those who have been exposed to certain chemicals or elements, may be at greater risk of developing certain cancers than others. Population health epidemiologists look at these specific population groups and try to determine if there actually is a link between disease and experiences the groups have been through. 

Even in the United States, there have been studies done about the connection between location and cancer risk. For example, environmental exposures, lack of proper health care, and poorer neighborhoods are all contributing factors that make some states in the country have higher cancer rates than others. 

When it comes to veterans as a population group with greater cancer risk, most people think about Agent Orange. The chemical was used in the Vietnam War to kill trees and foliage being used by enemy soldiers for cover. Unfortunately, it’s been linked to many health problems in veterans who served in that war. It was later determined to be a harmful carcinogen. The 2008 documentary “Agent Orange: 30 Years Later” shows how the chemical also impacted the citizens living in Vietnam at the time, and the struggles they’ve faced ever since. 

Those in the military have been exposed to harmful environments for years. In the early 20th Century, the United States military used asbestos for a variety of different applications, mostly as a mix-in to cement, caulk, flooring and roofing materials to make them stronger. Asbestos was used heavily in the construction of buildings where military members would eat, sleep, and work. It was also used in many of the vehicles used by service members, including tanks and trucks because it was inexpensive, resistant to heat, and improved fireproofing capabilities. Though asbestos was eventually phased out in the 1970s, breathing it in put many military personnel at risk for developing lung diseases, like mesothelioma. 

The worst part, however, is that many of the vets who need medical attention can’t get access to quality healthcare. The 2018 film “The Care They’ve Earned” depicts that struggle as it follows six veterans working with the VA to receive affordable healthcare. 

Links to Lifestyle Choices

A scene from “The Food Cure: Hope of Hype” (Chromosom Filmproduktion, 2018).

Health-based documentaries have become increasingly popular over the last several years, especially on streaming services like Netflix. Many of these films work with health educators to discuss the benefits of a vegetarian/vegan diet, and how certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of getting diseases like cancer. 

Undoubtedly, the most popular documentary showcasing the potential link between diet and disease is 2018’s “The Food Cure: Hope or Hype.” The film follows six patients all diagnosed with cancer who have decided to ditch traditional forms of medicine and treatment. Instead, they focus on changing their diet and filling their lives with cancer-fighting foods to see if they can treat the disease naturally. 

There are some foods that may reduce the risk of getting cancer, mostly due to high levels of antioxidants. But as far as curing cancer? You’ll have to watch the film for yourself to see the results. 

While cancer might not entertain us, and actually hits close to home for millions of people, it’s important that it’s depicted on film as accurately as possible. There is still so much to learn about this horrible disease until it can be cured once and for all. Movies are a great way to fuel interest in that education and research.