On Monday 30th October 2023, UK broadcaster Channel 4 aired this powerful documentary about one man’s experience with a head and neck cancer diagnosis.
It is always a welcome sight to see cancer experiences like this covered by national broadcasters, as it shines a light on experiences that the general public could so easily overlook. When the man at the centre of the story also happens to be one of Wales’ top stand-up comedians, an intimate and honest portrait of a cancer journey like this can be even more impactful.
Rhod Gilbert received his cancer diagnosis after finding a lump in his neck back in April 2022. He was driving to Barnstable to deliver one of his comedy shows when his doctor called to confirm the outcome of his tests: Rhod had cancer of the neck, throat, tongue, and tonsils. This documentary invites you to follow him through the highs and lows of his journey.
If you haven’t watched this engaging 50 minute documentary already, you can view it for free on Channel 4’s website, Channel4.com. You will just need to sign up for a free Channel4.com account in order to watch programs using their web-based player. You can click on this link to go directly to the documentary’s page:
As you might expect from a documentary about a comedian’s cancer journey, this film contains humour, strong language, and scenes which some viewers may find challenging.
Once you’ve watched the film, we’d love to know what you thought. Did it resonate with you? Did it make you realise something you hadn’t thought of before? Let us know by sharing your thoughts in a comment below this post.
Macmillan has information and support resources online relating to head and neck cancer. You can read some of our introductory information at the links below:
We also have a fantastic forum dedicated to those impacted by a head and neck cancer diagnosis. To share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others who understand, join our Head and neck cancer forum at the link below:
If you’d like to speak with a Macmillan professional in a one-to-one setting, our Macmillan Support Line teams are also here for you. Sometimes it can help to talk things through with someone who’s there to listen. They’re available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, on freephone 0808 808 00 00, by email, or via live webchat.
If you need any help using the Online Community, feel free to check out our Help Pages, or get in touch with the Online Community Team directly by sending an email to community@macmillan.org.uk.
