This research is part of a PhD which aims to extend current modes of health documentary by empowering Breast cancer patients to become co-authors of a film. To date the arguments of filmmakers, broadcasters, or experts have tended to dominate the narrative in a health documentary and it is only through their agency that the voices of patients are heard. It is this mode of filmmaking that has typified health films.

This research aims to move away from this tradition by acknowledging the importance of patient experience in constructing meaningful narratives. This will be researched via the making of a documentary about breast cancer. It is hoped that important new insights will be gained into how documentary film can provide a positive contribution to the understanding of patients facing breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Research Unit videos