Channel 4 today announces Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures, an observational documentary series that will explore the pioneering research that could transform the future of cancer detection, treatment and prevention.
The 3 x 60-minute brand-funded series, produced by Dragonfly North (part of Banijay UK) from its Manchester base, and brokered by WPP’s EssenceMediacom, is a new collaboration with Cancer Research UK that will take viewers inside what has been described as the “Golden Age of cancer research.”
It will follow Professor Sarah Blagden, who is developing a groundbreaking lung cancer prevention vaccine in what she calls a “once in a generation opportunity,” neurosurgeon and scientist Associate Professor Richard Mair, who treats patients with hard-to-treat brain cancers, and Professor Caroline Dive, who is working on blood tests to detect cancer before it shows up on a scan.
As well as following patients and families undergoing life-saving treatments, the series will also explore the personal backstories and motivations that drive these world-class scientists.
The partnership was brokered by media agency WPP’s EssenceMediacom, which leveraged audience insight to identify Channel 4 as the ideal platform for reaching socially conscious viewers with this programming.
The series will be promoted from late November across Channel 4’s Facebook, Instagram and streaming platforms. Cancer Research UK will support with a fully integrated multi-channel campaign to extend reach and engagement. The three self-contained documentary films aim to deepen public understanding of research into cancer, drive participation, and connect new audiences to Cancer Research UK through purpose-led storytelling.
Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said: “Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures shines a light on the groundbreaking scientific research currently taking place to detect, prevent and treat cancer. It has been great to partner with Dragonfly and Cancer Research UK on this series and see these amazing scientists at work, as they make amazing breakthroughs already benefitting patients in ways that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.”
Will Rowson, Co-Creative Director at Dragonfly, said: “This has been a fascinating and eye-opening series to make. We’re enormously grateful to the scientists who have let us into their worlds, to the wonderful hospitals doing extraordinary work and of course to the very special people who have shared their cancer journeys with us.”
Phil Almond, Executive Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement at Cancer Research UK said: “This series offers a powerful glimpse into the future of cancer research – a future where more people live longer, better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments. It shows how breakthroughs are already changing lives and highlights the people behind them. We’re especially thankful to the scientists, clinicians and patients who shared their stories. Their openness and experiences bring home what progress really means for those affected by cancer.”
Claire Prince, Head of Branded Entertainment, Creative Futures at EssenceMediacom, said: “It shines a light on the extraordinary scientists behind breakthroughs in detection, treatment and prevention, offering audiences both insight and hope. This programme is a great example of branded entertainment and builds on themes that genuinely matter to many. It’s a powerful meeting of purpose and entertainment that we believe will be transformative for Cancer Research UK.”
Chris Holdom Head of Commercial Partnerships Banijay UK: “We are incredibly proud at Banijay UK to be part of this truly inspiring project. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating powerful partnerships that deliver important storytelling, engage audiences, and make a real impact.”
Channel 4 Sales delivered the project via its newly-formed Partner Lab team which will offer solutions across Partnerships, Sponsorship, Creative Strategy and Production to deliver high-quality campaigns across TV, streaming, sponsorship, and branded entertainment.
Emma Hopkins, Partner Lab Leader at Channel 4 said: “Partnering with Cancer Research UK on Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures is a really exciting moment for us. It shows how Channel 4 can use powerful storytelling to both entertain and make a real impact, while giving our partners meaningful, measurable value. By taking a joined-up approach across our platforms, we’re helping brands connect with audiences in smarter, more creative ways.”
Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures was produced by Dragonfly North, Developed and Executive Produced by both Will Rowson and Paul Windle, Series Director was Nick Shaw and the Series Producer was Valerie Mellon. Production Executive Isabelle Burn, Production Manager Rachael Fish, Legal and Business Affairs Nina Evans. Post Production by Home Post Production. It was commissioned for Channel 4 by Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual.
