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VisionTV Presents New Edition of Cancer Saved My Life

2017-11-09

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Cancer Saved My Life - Libby Znaimer

On Tuesday, November 14 (9pm ET/6pm PT), VisionTV will air a special, updated version of “Cancer Saved My Life,” to help mark World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 16. “Cancer Saved My Life” is a powerful, original documentary that chronicles Canadian broadcast journalist Libby Znaimer’s experience with breast and pancreatic cancer, and explores how a genetic mutation that predisposed her to cancer ultimately helped her overcome the deadliest form of the disease.

Znaimer carries the BRCA-2 gene mutation. Approximately 1 in 40 individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent is a carrier for a BRCA mutation, leaving them at a higher risk of developing breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. This is compared to mutation frequency of 1 in 500 in the general population.

Cancer Saved My Life


In the 2017 edition “Cancer Saved My Life,” viewers will learn even more about the science behind Libby Znaimer’s experience with cancer, as well as her recovery, thanks to information presented through new interview segments and insights.


“Cancer Saved My Life” tracks Libby from a devastating diagnosis of locally advanced pancreatic cancer to a complete recovery eight years later. It reveals how doctors from Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital came up with a novel treatment and then used her miraculous case as the basis of ongoing research to help others.

Cancer Saved My Life

Cancer strikes families, not just individuals, particularly when there is a genetic mutation involved. Libby’s brothers, Moses and Sam, are also featured in the documentary, as are her nephew and niece, who grapple with the knowledge that their father Sam is a carrier of the mutation. The documentary also travels to Israel to meet other cancer survivors and researchers who are building on the knowledge gleaned by her Toronto physicians Dr. Steven Gallinger and Dr. Malcolm Moore (now working in BC).

Many Canadians know Libby Znaimer’s story well. In addition to being a veteran broadcaster, she is the author of “In Cancerland: Living Well is the Best Revenge,” VP News and Information at ZoomerMedia Limited, and columnist for Zoomer magazine in which she announced her devastating diagnosis and chronicled her treatments and journey back to health.  “The Lump”, her groundbreaking, popular National Post series on her experience with breast cancer detailed her real-time navigation through the healthcare system and the difficult choices she faced. It raised awareness for the disease and sparked a national conversation on the subject.

Cancer Saved My Life

“Cancer Saved My Life” will delve into some of the toughest circumstances life can bring, but it is a story of hope and the promise of medical breakthroughs.


Pancreatic Cancer LogoThe Pancreatic Cancer Canada Foundation (PCCF) is focused on fighting pancreatic cancer through raising funds for research, awareness, education and advocacy. PCCF’s goals are to improve overall patient survival rates and create a brighter future for those affected by pancreatic cancer.

Since its inception in 2006, PCCF has invested nearly $4 million in research at cancer centres across Canada; funding scientific projects in early detection, treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Each year, individuals whose lives have been affected by pancreatic cancer connect with us in an effort to raise awareness and much needed funding. Some participate in our signature events; others hold their own fundraisers, contributing thousands of dollars to support lifesaving research. Two of the leading experts in both treatment and research are on our Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) and work closely with us. 

Click here for more information.


“Cancer Saved My Life,” the hopeful story of Libby Znaimer’s triumph over breast and pancreatic cancer, can be seen Tuesday, November 14 at 9pm ET/6pm PT on VisionTV. You can watch a preview below.

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