Fighting cancer in Lebanon : a story of perseverance and triumph

Abstract

Patients diagnosed with cancer know for a fact, as a result of their prognosis, that their lives and the lives of their loved ones will be altered. In a specific context like Lebanon, this is further heightened due to the economic conditions the country is going through which have impacted the ability to access medical care and medication in a consistent manner. Relying on a personal experience with a loved one being diagnosed with cancer, a documentary film was produced to highlight the journey of the patient, Ms. Dolly Daaboul. A documentary film is a more personable approach that is capable of conveying several messages a written report cannot and multiple perspectives can be incorporated to leave a meaningful impact. The film revolves around Ms. Daaboul on her cancer journey and relies on an oncological and psychological inputs to highlight what patients go through. A family perspective was also included to show the impacts on a wider scale beyond the patient herself. Medical sources are also included in the documentary to convey a message about breast cancer to entice testing as early-stage breast cancer is very treatable with the right approach. Despite the economic conditions in Lebanon and the bleak emotional state created when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, the film ultimately sends a message of triumph and perseverance.