1 IN 3, a documentary in development, explores what it feels like to navigate cancer today — what patients wish they’d heard sooner, what’s actually helping people through treatment, and how a whole-person approach can profoundly shape the experience. Through candid patient stories and insights from leading clinicians, the film opens up conversations that too often remain hidden.
Call Action
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Empower patients with knowledge and agency
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Inspire new thinking in cancer care
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Shine a spotlight on groundbreaking research
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Push for equity and access to holistic, evidence-based treatments
Help spark a new conversation about cancer care. This film is more than a documentary — it’s a movement. We aim to:
Meet the
Changemakers
Discover the visionary doctors, researchers, survivors and advocates who are proving that treating the whole person can enhance survival rates, reduce side effects, restore dignity, and improve quality of life.
Jun J. Mao
Integrative Medical Specialist,
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
“We need to think about cancer not just as a biological disease. It really affects the patient and their family in profound ways, in relationships, in meaning. The integrative health therapies help to allow the patient and their loved ones to recognize there’s a human involved, there’s a face beyond that biological disease.”
Film Expert
Desiree A. H. Walker
Cancer Survivor, Patient Advocate,
American Association for Cancer Research
“I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. Integrative oncology has been a major part of my quality care over the past decade. It has supported me in dealing with the late and long-term side effects in survivorship by using acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapies, massage therapy, and yoga.”
Film Subject
Sarah McDonald
Cancer Survivor, Coach, Author, Motivational Speaker, Advocate
“I don’t think we know yet all the ways the mind and body are connected. But what I can tell you is the Eastern practices of yoga, meditation, and acupuncture allowed me to relax into acceptance of my diagnosis. Once I relaxed, my fight or flight fear left me and I could focus on breathing through all of the treatments.”
Film Subject
Karen Sherpa
Nancy Svendsen's Sister,
Cancer Survivor
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and told I needed chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, my world stopped. The treatments were brutal, but acupuncture, meditation, exercise, music therapy, and emotional support from my dog, friends, and family eased my anxiety. Acupuncture, along with medication, also helped with nausea, pain, and neuropathy. I’m deeply grateful—these therapies got me through.”
Film Subject
Nearly ONE IN THREE of us will face a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. 1 IN 3 was born from a deeply personal place and a belief that we can — and must — change the way we approach healing.
“Cancer became very personal when my sister was diagnosed during COVID. I’ve lost family members and watched friends navigate the fear and fight this disease brings.
As the director of the award-winning documentary PASANG: In the Shadow of Everest, I’ve seen how powerful storytelling can move people and ignite change. With 1 IN 3, I’m channeling that same passion into a subject that touches almost every family—including mine.
This film isn’t just about cancer — it’s about hope. It’s about reimagining care through courage, science, and integrative healing. And it’s a story the world urgently needs to hear.”
— Nancy Svendsen, Director of 1 IN 3
Cancer is no longer a rare tragedy — it’s a reality that touches nearly every family. Despite medical breakthroughs:
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Cancer diagnoses: Common.
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Treatments: Lifesaving — but often grueling.
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Gaps: Emotional strain, side effects, financial stress.
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Source: Charlotte Maxwell Clinic
A Quiet Revolution in Cancer Care
Integrative oncology is emerging inside major cancer centers — combining medical treatment with evidence-supported practices (acupuncture, mindfulness, movement, nutrition and more) to support the whole person.
1 IN 3 shines a light on therapies and practices that treat the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
Get
Touch
in
Email nancy.svendsen@gmail.com, call (415) 233-3200, or use our contact form.
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