A pioneering Channel 4 programme presented by Davina McCall will broadcast live from Addenbrooke’s Hospital as part of this year’s Stand Up To Cancer 2025.
The programme will highlight the expertise, innovation and dedication of clinicians in Cambridge, as Cancer Clinic: Live broadcasts from a special one-off cancer clinic at Addenbrooke’s on the evening of Friday 12th December.
By focusing on the groundbreaking work that is happening here at Addenbrooke’s as well as Royal Papworth, the show will shine a spotlight on Cambridge where the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH) is set to be built. Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is raising significant funds for CCRH, with the public being asked to raise £100million towards the build of this groundbreaking new hospital.
For the first time on UK television, viewers of the Channel 4 programme will see clinical consultations with cancer specialists from Addenbrooke’s unfold in real time. Viewers will hear from patients and their families whose cancer journeys have been followed for several weeks from diagnosis to results, as they continue through treatment.
Producers say the aim of the programme is to demystify what happens inside a cancer clinic, tackle the fear that prevents many from seeking help, and show the life-saving impact of early diagnosis.
Although producers have not yet specified which areas of cancer will be featured within the show, there are plans to cover at least one groundbreaking project which has received funding from ACT supporters.
Cancer Clinic: Live will be part of a wider series of programmes on Channel 4 for Stand Up To Cancer, fronted by presenter Adam Hills, which will include special editions of Channel 4 shows such as Celebrity Gogglebox and The Last Leg.
This year, a new campaign by Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK will also drive awareness of NHS cancer screening programmes and raise funds for groundbreaking cancer research. A nationwide Screening Checker is being launched to allow members of the public to find out which NHS and PHA cancer screenings they are eligible for and to get advice on the screening process.
Addenbrooke’s Hospital, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is a national and regional centre for many cancers including rarer types of cancer. Its Cancer Services care for around 6,000 new patients each year, aiming to deliver the highest quality clinical care, supported by world-leading research and innovation.
Addenbrooke’s is a specialist hospital located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Cambridge is home to the largest life sciences cluster in Europe and one of the most productive communities of cancer researchers in the world, with academics from the University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre and industry partners.
The campus will also be the site for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital which will bring together academia, industry and clinical excellence under one roof, to transform the way cancer is diagnosed and treated.
Stand Up To Cancer UK is a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, bringing the nation together to accelerate life-saving research.
TV Presenter Davina McCall said: “I want to take the fear out of cancer screening and show everyone that they are not on their own in this. I’ve been part of Stand Up To Cancer UK since it started in 2012 and I knew for this year’s campaign I wanted to step out of the TV studio and speak to real people facing a cancer diagnosis.”
She added: “On the night of Stand Up To Cancer I will be with incredible teams of medical professionals to demystify what happens inside a cancer clinic. Cancer Clinic: Live is about showing the reality of the incredible care, science and humanity of a cancer diagnosis, and reminding people that early diagnosis gives you options and hope.”
Cancer Clinic: Live is produced by Bango Studios and HiddenLight and the executive producers are Amy Flanagan, Emma Jay and Emily Hudd.
To find out more information about Stand Up To Cancer 2025 and the new screening campaign click here.
Click here to donate to the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.