The Cancer Detectives
“The Trailblazers Who Landed the First Blow Against Cancer”
Synopsis
The story of how the life-saving cervical cancer test became an ordinary part of women’s lives is as unusual and remarkable as the coalition of people who ultimately made it possible: a Greek immigrant, Dr. George Papanicolau; his intrepid wife, Mary; Japanese-born artist Hashime Murayama; Dr. Helen Dickens, an African American OBGYN in Philadelphia; and an entirely new class of female scientists known as cyto-screeners. But the test was just the beginning. Once the test proved effective, the campaign to make pap smears available to millions of women required nothing short of a total national mobilization. The Cancer Detectives tells the untold story of the first-ever war on cancer and the people who fought tirelessly to save women from what was once the number one cancer killer of women.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Amanda Pollak, Gene Tempest
- Screenplay & Story
- Gene Tempest
- Original Score
- Dudu Aram
- Original Title
- The Cancer Detectives
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 53m
- Production Studios
- PBS, GBH, American Experience Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Amanda Pollak, Gene Tempest
Gene Tempest
Dudu Aram
Andrew Young
Sandra Christie
Amanda Pollak, Susan Bellows, Cameo George
Department Leadership Roster
Amanda Pollak
Director
Gene Tempest
Director
Sandra Christie
Editor
Amanda Pollak
Producer
Gene Tempest
Writer
Andrew Young
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Cancer Detectives.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cancer Detectives
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Cancer Detectives about?
The story of how the life-saving cervical cancer test became an ordinary part of women’s lives is as unusual and remarkable as the coalition of people who ultimately made it possible: a Greek immigrant, Dr. George Papanicolau; his intrepid wife, Mary; Japanese-born artist Hashime Murayama; Dr. Helen Dickens, an African American OBGYN in Philadelphia; and an entirely new class of female scientists known as cyto-screeners. But the test was just the beginning. Once the test proved effective, the campaign to make pap smears available to millions of women required nothing short of a total national mobilization. The Cancer Detectives tells the untold story of the first-ever war on cancer and the people who fought tirelessly to save women from what was once the number one cancer killer of women.
Who directed The Cancer Detectives?
The Cancer Detectives was directed by Amanda Pollak, Gene Tempest.
Who stars in The Cancer Detectives?
The principal cast of The Cancer Detectives includes Andia Winslow.
When was The Cancer Detectives released and how long is it?
The Cancer Detectives was released in 2024 with a total runtime of 53m.
Who composed the musical score for The Cancer Detectives?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Cancer Detectives was composed by Dudu Aram.