Breast Cancer (from the Perspective Series: Health and Medicine Technology) 1999
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by London TV Service
Director n/a
VHS, color, 30 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Health Sciences
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkBreast Cancer provides an introduction to this disease which strikes an increasingly large percentage of women in Western countries. It looks at what we know so far to be the causes of this form of cancer, and the treatment options to date, giving a concise, well-organized view of the total picture of breast cancer.
Produced in the UK, it points to research and treatment being done at the Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute for Cancer Research. The potential causes of the disease brought out in the video are environmental influences, diet, human reproductive patterns and the relationship of estrogen, and genetic factors. Treatments include lumpectomy vs mastectomy, anti-estrogen drug therapy, surgery, radiotherapy, changing diet and eating patterns, and new contraceptive techniques. The drug tamoxifen is highlighted, which can substantially reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. Also mentioned are the psychological illnesses that often accompany cancer. The program touches on the roles the cytologist, immunologist and geneticist play in diagnosing, treating, and preventing the disease.
The format is a combination of dramatization and traditional documentary-style programming with narration. The content is up-to-date and gives a global perspective on this insidious disease. The statistics presented in the program are from the UK and would likely translate to about the same in the U.S. Recommended for high school through undergraduate classes.
See also At Time of Diagnosis