You’re probably wondering why I’m doing a blog on cancer awareness when World Cancer Month is due on 4th February. Well, in case you didn’t know, every month of the year except December is Cancer Awareness Month. For instance, January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month while February is Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month.
So, when I found out last year that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I have been planning to do a blog on some of the most impressive cancer adverts ever since. But you know how busy life tends to get at times. However, once we can spare some time for other important things, we should dive right in!
So, here we are with 5 awesome cancer awareness commercials that will make you question your lifestyle choices and make you more ‘cancer-aware’.
1. Scottish Government: Don’t Let Lung Cancer Make Itself At Home
One of the major reasons why most people find themselves struggling with cancer is that they tend to ignore its earliest symptoms.
This 2021 cancer awareness advert by the Scottish government shows a woman playing the role of lung cancer, who hears the victim coughing vehemently. The cancer says that the man has been coughing for three weeks without seeing a doctor, which is exactly what the cancer wants to not be found early.
Unfortunately, most people confuse initial cancer symptoms with other lesser harmful health conditions probably because they don’t want to confront the reality of being diagnosed with cancer. Or maybe because they just don’t think that they can ever have cancer.
But whatever the case, make sure to see a doctor if you have been facing unusual breathlessness or persistent cough for more than three weeks. Trust me, a timely hospital visit can save you a lot of time, money, and pain!
2. Breast Cancer Now: Real Talk
If there’s one thing that most cancer patients find even more annoying than their continuous medication, it’s the stupid questions and statements by other people. Don’t get me wrong but there’s no way you can relate to a cancer patient if you never had it yourself!
This 80-second spot from United Kingdom's largest breast cancer charity Breast Cancer Now shows a woman being diagnosed with lung cancer. From being bombarded with compliments for being brave when she is really scared to be asked if she has considered reconstructive surgery when that’s all she can think of, the woman seems to be more under duress due to the people around than the cancer itself!
You see, at times all you need to brave a storm is someone who has been through that storm themselves.
3. Working with Cancer Pledge: Monday
If the previous advert showcased the importance that cancer survivors play in helping someone beat cancer, this 60-second spot shows how colleagues can support their people battling cancer.
The advert revolves around two people who are diagnosed with cancer and showcases their fight against cancer as they undergo medication and treatment for the same. When they are finally ready to get back to work, their colleagues are their first line of support as they provide them with the constant assistance that they need to get back up on their feet.
4. Cancer NSW: 16 Cancers
Did you know that there are 16 types of cancers? From cancers that can kill you quickly to cancers that can deprive you of some of the most basic pleasures like eating food, there isn’t much that you can do about them.
However, if there’s one thing that you can always do is to minimize the risk of getting cancer, which is by quitting smoking altogether. After all, with 16 different types of cancers waiting to make a mess of your health, one has to be as cautious as one can.
By the way, you don’t smoke, do you?
5. Philips: The Silent Couple
One in twenty women in India is likely to develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. This makes it imperative for women to self-examine themselves from time to time. But with complicated family dynamics in India wherein a woman is expected to take care of all household chores even if has a job elsewhere makes it immensely challenging for women to take care of their well-being.
So, this 2-minute commercial by Philips India, which revolves around a mute couple, shows the husband taking on some household chores to allow his wife to self-examine herself for any symptoms of breast cancer.
Now, that’s some teamwork!
Wrapping Up
And that was a wrap of some of the best cancer awareness commercials. With thousands of people battling cancer every day, brands need to be particularly sensitive about their marketing on this issue. However, a good advert that respects the patients while being sensitive to their suffering should be able to find resonance amongst most cancer patients and survivors alike.
We’ll be back with more amazing videos for you. Till then, stay tuned!