Shades of Survival: its mission to reduce health inequity
Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Black History Month, Carol-Ann Courtney, ABS Trustee, discusses the the multi-award-winning documentary Shades of Survival.
I recently had the pleasure to meet with Hilary Moore, producer and screenwriter of the multi-award-winning documentary Shades of Survival.
This powerful film premiered in October 2025 and explores the experiences of black women with breast cancer here in the UK, continental Africa and the USA. It shines a stark spotlight on the inequities of breast cancer treatment and outcomes in Global Majority women. Higher mortality. Younger age at diagnosis. Aggressive subtypes. Later presentation.
The film examines the healthcare inequities experienced at every step of their journey: from a culture of fear and shame a cancer diagnosis can bring in some communities, to the lack of resources for diagnosis and treatment, to the poorer cancer outcomes experienced. It combines powerful individual testimonies from patients along with expert clinical insights blended into these deeply personal stories. It also celebrates the courage of these women and advocates powerfully for change to challenge the systemic inequities that fail many of these communities.
Hilary told me the reason the film was made was simple: to save lives. The production company continues to support some of the women featured with their medical bills.
Her work is now centred on impact production: to get this film seen as widely as possible and educate both medical and patient communities about this important topic.
For October, in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Black History Month, Hilary has generously made the film available for ABS members to view. I strongly urge you to watch it.
If you have a community or event where you would like to screen Shades of Survival, or would like to embed it in your learning programme, you can contact Hilary on hilary@thecreativerhino.com
ABS members can view the documentary on the ABS Information Hub here.
If you would like to contribute to the production company to fund further grassroots screenings and patient education please visit their Crowdfunding page.
For other resources please check out:
www.shadesofsurvival.life
www.blackincancer.com
Carol-Ann Courtney
ABS Trustee
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