The Downsides of Medical Reality TV Shows

By Bryan (Age 13, Hong Kong International School)

Editor's note: Read a response from a TV-executive who supports airing a reality TV show about cancer patients. 

Recently there has been a show that follows cancer patients' lives as they deal with physical and emotional pressures of the disease. It will follow several patients with different cancers and at varying stages of their illness. It is predicted that some patients will require surgery at some point during the show and some will die. I think that they should not air this show for many reasons.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

One reason why they should not air this show is because people may be uncomfortable with the situation they are in, for the entire camera crew will be always with them, talking to them and asking questions. I think that's the last thing that people with cancer want because I would want to spend my last remaining time with my family. Another reason why is because they will be constantly reminded of the situation they are in since the camera crew will pretty much track them everyday about their situation and sometimes the patients would want a break from that. People will get uncomfortable when people around them start bringing up the situation when they want to talk about or do something else other than the thought of cancer.

Another reason why is because it will cost a lot of money for the people who are making the TV show. If the cancer patient is poor or doesn't have enough money for chemotherapy, then the company will have to pay for that. To add on more, it has to deal with family situations and emotional problems. To top it off, they have to pay for all the people having to do everything for the TV series. The real reason for this reality TV show is to inform people about cancer, so why not save money and instead do something much simpler that can show how to prevent cancer or something like that?

Lastly, what if a person in the show dies? People in the show who have serious cancer are sure to die. In fact, this show is most likely going to look at some people who have serious forms of cancer (since it may develop more attention) and if they all die, who are they going to bring up next? They even said on the article that some people are going to die, so what if they die on screen? Is it going to be live? And if it is, what happens if they die while the live cameras are still rolling? Most likely even before the patient dies they will get fed up with this whole documentary thing because the patient can't spend a minute alone with his or her family.

I strongly advise to not air this show because a lot of bad things are going to happen both emotionally and physically, the cost is going to be too much, and people may die from the cancer on screen.

Medical Reality TV Shows and Education

By Michael (Age 13.5, South Island School)

Editor's note: Read a response from a student who points out the downsides of medical reality TV shows. 

Cancer, as we all know, is one of the deadliest diseases known to man. It is horrifying and devastating to many people. Most of these cancer victims and their family members have emotional and physical problems while dealing with cancer. Therefore, cancer reality shows for television are being developed. It affects and follows the lives of cancer patients at different stages of cancer. During some point in the show, the patient will have to undergo surgery, and some are predicted to die as well, unfortunately.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Being the television executive in charge of the programs in the local network, I think that this reality television show is perfect for the public audience. My main reason is because the public will be able to put themselves into the shoes of the cancer patients, to understand how they live their lives and what it's like to go through the pain and pressure. It would also be an excellent source of knowledge for young doctors or students who want to be surgeons or doctors. These reality shows can help the viewers/audience take steps to prevent cancer and stay healthy.

On the other hand, if the doctors were to be filmed while in the process of surgery, it would bring a lot of pressure and distraction. Different factors of media and film disadvantages are lighting, drama, camera angles, and other theatrical matters. These could possibly lead to mistakes made by the doctor, risking the lives of the patients. The patients basically would be guinea pigs whose lives are being played with for television purposes. Unless the cast members, doctors, cameramen and the media consider these factors, this reality show would not be successful.

In conclusion, I think that this reality show is completely relevant to the public and can allow the public to understand more about this disease and bring knowledge to young students, doctors, and scientists. Not only would it help the media and television society, it would also provide a wider opportunity for researching the cure for cancer. This show might be able to help us improve the world and make it a better place.