Dr. Margaret Cuomo’s Vision for a World Without Cancer Comes to PBS
By Lydia Liebman
Dr. Margaret Cuomo
Physician, radiologist, author, and philanthropist Margaret I. Cuomo has a vision for a world free of cancer. In 2013, Cuomo’s book “A World Without Cancer: the Making of a New Cure and the Real Promise of Prevention” is a call to action to focus on the prevention of cancer and other diseases.
PBS invited Dr. Cuomo to turn her book into a 60-minute special. She accepted, and went on to become the programs’ writer and host.
The 60 minute special, which will air for the first time this November, presents highly acclaimed medical and scientific experts who describe the ways in which we can reduce the risk for cancer and other diseases. Also, exclusive interviews with award-winning documentarian Ken Burns and singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson provide an intimate look into the way cancer has affected their lives, and how they have responded to that challenge.
In both the televised special and the book, Cuomo outlines the many preventive measures we can take to reduce cancer risk and emphasizes that it is an integrative approach. “All factors must be implemented together,” she says, “… you need to adopt a lifestyle that will promote prevention and reduce the risk.” You need to advocate for your own health and safety and that of your family,” The PBS special points out that many consumer and household products contain chemicals that are linked to cancer, and should be avoided. While she acknowledges that the Unites States is more supportive than other countries when it comes to scientific research, more resources and greater focus should be dedicated to prevention. “We shouldn’t have to fight for a healthy lifestyle and safe products in our country, yet we still do,” she underscores.
With the impending broadcast of “A World Without Cancer”, and the book available on bookshelves across the country, Cuomo hopes readers and viewers will start to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
She hopes that the PBS program will be well received and jumpstart a positive conversation about cancer risk reduction. “I hope that there will be an ongoing forum where we can talk about these things… whether it be television or some other medium,” she says, adding, As good as this PBS program is, cancer prevention is a goal that deserves further attention and action.” #
“A World Without Cancer” will air on November 25 on PBS. Please check aptonline.org/stationfinder for local listings.
