David J. Benjamin: How does Hollywood depict cancer in movies?

David J. Benjamin, Medical Oncologist at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, shared a post on X/Twitter:

“How does Hollywood depict cancer in movies? In JCO Oncology Practice, we review 104 English-language films with cancer storylines released from 2010-2020.

• Most characters are depicted as having incurable cancers.  
• Cost of cancer care is discussed in less than 5% of films.

We also found:  

• Less than 20% of cancers were depicted as curable.  
• The most commonly depicted cancers were brain, breast, lung, leukemia, sarcoma and testicular.  
• No movie character was offered/received immunotherapy or a targeted therapy.

Individuals with cancer as well as oncologists must be aware that patients’ prior exposure to films may shape their opinions on cancer. While intended as entertainment, films do not accurately reflect the current state of cancer care. Link.”

Source: David J. Benjamin/X