Arabic version: فيلم ديفيد ويلكنسون «1 من 2» يمنح المرضى الشباب صوتًا

According to The Guardian, David Wilkinson’s documentary 1 in 2 follows the English film-maker as he undergoes treatment for stage four bowel cancer. Wilkinson, whose earlier film The Marbles argued for the restitution of the Parthenon marbles to Greece, had been battling the disease while making that previous work.

In the new film, Wilkinson speaks directly to the camera during his treatment and focuses on the shock of encountering many younger bowel-cancer patients. People he meets in waiting rooms and online discussion groups are in their 40s, 30s and 20s, the review says. The documentary also gives space to NHS medical professionals working with patients.

Wilkinson asks why a disease once considered to affect older people is increasing among younger age groups in developed nations. Diet and lifestyle are raised as possible factors, while microplastics are also considered, but the film does not offer clear-cut answers.

The Guardian describes the documentary as compassionate, humorous and generous, highlighting Wilkinson’s confessional approach and interviews with patients. A young woman, Milli Tanner, is singled out as candid and courageous. The review says younger people repeatedly report losing valuable time after misdiagnoses, with symptoms that might prompt urgent treatment in older patients dismissed in younger ones.

1 in 2 also urges people not to postpone bowel-cancer testing delivered through the post. Wilkinson challenges embarrassment and avoidance around the illness, while making a personal case for younger patients to be heard and treated without delay.