As part of its “Take One Step” health campaign, PBS will air a documentary titled “The Truth About Cancer” tonight (Wednesday, April 16, 2008). Award-winning filmmaker Linda Garmon shares the story of her husband’s battle with and death from mesothelioma.

During the program, which strives to answer the question “Why does anyone still die of cancer?”, Garmon visits the facilities where her husband was treated, and interviews people who are undergoing treatment for various types of cancer, and interviews doctors and researchers working for a cure.

PBS describes the film as, “Part science, part personal catharsis, part character-driven storytelling, this powerful documentary uncovers the truth about cancer and tell us where we stand in fighting the battle against the disease. ”

The program is slated to air in most markets at 9 p.m. ET. In Montgomery, Alabama, where I am based, the show is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on WAIQ, Alabama Public Television (APT).

Following the film, journalist and breast cancer survivor Linda Ellerbee will host a 30-minute follow-up panel discussion covering topics including the importance of early screening, what to expect if a loved one is diagnosed, and how to live with cancer.

Please check your local listings for this very important program! It is critical to realize that cancer is an issue of national importance in public health, and that much more needs to be done to enhance funding and research for all types of cancer.

Find more information about this program at the official PBS site for the film.

Tags: Alabama Public Television, APT, death, Linda Garmon, meso, mesothelioma, Montgomery, PBS, research

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 at 8:56 am and is filed under News, Research/Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.