A screenshot from a video created to support the television series, Super Surgeons. Image is of a Macmillan nurse hugging a woman in a kitchen.

Super Surgeons: A chance at life

Supporting the new three-part Channel 4 documentary, we reveal the impact of cancer in a series of short films, following Macmillan behind the scenes as we do whatever it takes to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can. 
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Whatever It Takes short films

Cancer can disrupt someone’s whole life. From our intrepid nurses travelling up and down the lengths of the UK to our dedicated staff running the Macmillan Cancer Support Line, this series of four short films tells the surprising stories of how we do whatever it takes to help people living with cancer live life as fully as they can.

 

Answering the Call: Whatever It Takes

Cancer can disrupt your whole life. We’re doing whatever it takes to help.

Our Macmillan Cancer Support Line offers help and advice on your treatment, your work and money, or simply someone to talk to about how you are feeling.

 

 

Feeling Like Yourself Again: Whatever It Takes

Cancer can massively affect how you feel about yourself. We do whatever it takes to help.

Meet Charlotte, a Boots No7 Macmillan Beauty advisor as she helps Kat feel like herself again after her breast cancer diagnosis.

 

 

Wherever You Are: Whatever It Takes

The Outer Hebrides is one of the most remote parts of the UK, with no oncologists on the island.

We do whatever it takes to help, wherever you are.

Meet Mairi, the intrepid Macmillan Nurse, and see how she makes the arduous journey to treat Sally.

 

 

No One Left Behind: Whatever It Takes

There are 11 million people in the UK who are deaf or hard of hearing. After a cancer diagnosis, not all are able to receive the extra help they need. 

We’re doing whatever it takes to help. Meet Niki, a Macmillan and Self Help UK funded Deaf Buddy who supports Cara, who lives with lung cancer.

 

The stories from Super Surgeons

Filmed across a year at the world-leading Royal Marsden Hospital, this new three-part documentary series explores the pioneering and life-saving operations surgeons are performing in order to give patients the best chance at life.

Episode one

A Macmillan Professional giving an explanation while holding a Macmillan bookletA Macmillan Professional giving an explanation while holding a Macmillan booklet

Dimitrios' story

Photographer Dimitrios, 32, has a rare form of aggressive hard to treat cancer known as Sarcoma. Surgeon Mr Andy Hayes must perform a complex procedure to try and save Dimitrios’ arm.

Lizzie's story


Lizzie, 37, has been living with incurable bowel cancer since 2018. Surgeon Mr Ricky Bhogal hopes to give Lizzie the gift of more time by performing a high-risk operation to remove new cancer growth in her abdomen.

Jade's story


Mother of one Jade, 41, has a tumour in her throat, attached to her voice box. In order to try and save Jade’s voice, Professor Paleri must use a surgical robot and attempt a procedure which has never done before. Even the smallest of errors could destroy Jade’s ability to swallow or speak forever.

Episode two

Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A close-up photo of a woman, who is looking directly at the camera.Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A close-up photo of a woman, who is looking directly at the camera.

Janet's story

 

Janet, 55, discovered that she had pancreatic cancer during the pandemic. Investigations reveal the cancer is wrapped around Janet’s portal vein – which if compromised during surgery would be fatal. Specialist surgeon Mr Ricky Bhogal must take on this complex surgery, removing the tumour completely and freeing it from the vein in order to give Janet a chance of cure.

Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A photo of a man in a hospital bed, who is looking directly at the camera.Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A photo of a man in a hospital bed, who is looking directly at the camera.

Peter's story

 

Peter, 70, has a fast-growing tumour in his tongue and in the back of his mouth. Professor Vin Paleri must establish if Peter is viable for complex and high-risk surgery, which would take tissue from Peter’s leg to reconstruct the throat. Surgery is the last hope in order to try and save Peter’s life.

Episode three

Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A photo of a man, who is looking directly at the camera.Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A photo of a man, who is looking directly at the camera.

Ian's story

 

Ian, 70, has a large retroperitineal sarcoma; a rare cancer growing in the back of the abdomen. If left, the tumour will continue grow, resulting in organ failure. Mr Dirk Strauss hopes to remove the enormous tumour whole, giving Ian a second chance at life.

Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A photo of a woman, who is looking directly at the camera.Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A photo of a woman, who is looking directly at the camera.

Melissa's story

 

Melissa, 44, recently had a fibroid removed from her womb, results showed the fibroid contained a very rare form of cancer. Ms Marielle Nobbenhuis is worried the cancer is spreading and must remove Melissa’s entire reproductive system to save her life.

Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A photo of a man, who is looking directly at the camera.Image from the Channel 4 docuseries, Super Surgeons. A photo of a man, who is looking directly at the camera.

Will's story

 

Will, 51, has throat cancer. Professor Vin Paleri will attempt to reconstruct Will’s entire windpipe to save his voice. One small cut a millimetre in the wrong direction and Will could be left without a swallow or ability to speak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Involved

Wondering what activities to get you and the family involved in this summer? Why not take part in one of our amazing Facebook Challenges suitable for the whole family to take part in whilst raising vital funds to support those living with cancer.

 

Whether you’re wanting to learn a new skill, keep active throughout the summer or simply find a new way to raise money for Macmillan’s life changing support services, we’d love to have you join our supportive community. Join our challenges today!


Couple walking
100 Mile Challenge
This October join Team Macmillan and complete 100 miles your way! Cycle, swim or run – there are so many ways to complete this challenge!
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Squat Challenge
Ready, steady, SQUAT! Join Macmillan’s Squat Squad this October! Whether you’re a squat pro or a total novice, this challenge is designed for you to challenge yourself and develop your overall fitness.