Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures

The research that could change everything

Starts Thursday 20th November at 9pm on Channel 4

We’re proud to partner with Channel 4 on Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures - a powerful documentary series that shines a light on pioneering research and the people behind it. The series takes you inside what’s been described as the “Golden Age of cancer research”, following three world-class scientists, determined to change the future for people affected by cancer.

Meet the leading scientists

Within the series, you’ll get to know three researchers and learn about their work, as well as what drives them to keep pushing for progress. Along the way, you’ll also meet the patients that they are helping through their work on clinical trials. Each episode focuses on a different area of cancer research – prevention, treatment and detection.

Professor Sarah Blagden

Our destination is ultimately to protect everyone against cancer.

- Professor Sarah Blagden

Episode one - The Minesweeper

In Oxford, Professor Sarah Blagden is attempting to stop cancer before it even starts. Can she bring together several recent breakthroughs to create a world-first vaccine?

Associate Professor Richard Mair

We're at the dawn of a new series of cancer treatments. We have the opportunity to change medicine forever.

- Associate Professor Richard Mair

Episode two - Time Trial

Neurosurgeon and scientist Richard Mair races to treat patients with deadly brain cancers. Can his clinical trial give them more time? Richard needs to be fast. He analyses patient’s tumour DNA and rapidly matches them with targeted drugs. In what could be the biggest leap forward in brain cancer for 30 years.

Professor Caroline Dive

It's critical that we detect cancers at their earliest stage. And the real question is, can we detect cancer even earlier?

- Professor Caroline Dive

Episode three - Clues in the Blood

In Manchester, Professor Caroline Dive is developing innovative blood tests to detect cancer, well before it’s visible on a scan. She’s looking for tiny fragments of cancer DNA in the blood.

Ways to get involved

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If you’re worried about cancer, we have a wealth of information to help you. You can find out about everything from cancer symptoms to coping with treatment.

Breakthroughs in other areas of cancer research

Every day, breakthroughs are saving lives. That’s the power of our science.

Photography credits: Researcher portraits, Tom Dymond.