A journalist who has been covering breast cancer for 20 years has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She filmed herself. She appealed against the prejudices and barriers in Japanese society that she felt as a survivor.

I was the one in eleven…
At HTB, I supported breast cancer awareness and the Pink Ribbon movement.
Now I, one of the people who led the charge against breast cancer, was diagnosed with cancer in both breasts.
I decided to record my experience as a patient on camera, to learn more about breast cancer and help me prepare for what was to come.
What I learned as a patient was how many choices there were to make. Some treatment methods keep you from working, raising children, or providing elderly care.
Cancer can be a bombshell for working people or people raising children.
Many women in particular have non-regular employment.
“There is no regular employment for cancer patients who have to take leave for treatment.”
These were the words of a patient which inspired this documentary.
Cancer is not a death sentence. Early detection and treatment can save lives.
I hope to contribute to society’s understanding of what it means to live with cancer.

Yuki Akutsu (Director/Patient)