The Cancer Conflict review – poignant documentary on alternative cancer therapies

Released to coincide with World Cancer Research day, Thomas Meadmore’s tricky yet involving documentary follows two Britons going rogue in search of a better quality of treatment. Grant Branton, from Brighton, is a sometime biologist reeling after early tests spotted tumours in his bowels while missing shadows in his bones; Surinder Paul, landed with breast cancer, hopes to avoid a mastectomy by leaning hard into oils, juicing and cravatted energy healers – what oncological voice-of-reason Rob Glynne-Jones calls “quackery”. Both have taken their lives into their own hands, which notionally affords them greater control but also obliges them to take critical decisions – even fashion their own suppositories – on ever-dwindling energy reserves.

It is difficult because the subjects are mostly detached from any context beyond the rooms they are in. Branton didn't have a career in commercials or music video production. Many viewers will want more about Branton and Paul's relationship to the health service, and how much they're paying, if they go private. Branton and the self-appointed American guru illustrate how close we are to the fringes of anti-science conspiracy theory.

Both are compelling figures that evoke sympathy and concern as they look at the enemy. The reality of endless tests and meetings to reveal results of tests is what makes this a good place to work. While Paul has the advantage of a large family, Christine is determined to go her own way. In order to allow his subjects to make their own decisions and form their own opinions, and to ensure the facts of these poignant case studies speak for themselves, Meadmore constantly monitors his subjects' ebb and flows.