Breast Cancer Now: The Chat

Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s leading breast cancer research and support charity, has launched the UK’s first drama series to play out on a messaging app’s group chat. This ground-breaking approach follows four friends as they navigate an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis together. It will unfold in real-time over the course of six weeks via voice notes, video messages, photos and text messages. Featuring a talented cast of British TV actors – Rakie Ayola, Kate Ashfield, Claudie Blakley and Indira Varma, the story will showcase the chaos, heartbreak, and lighter moments of day-to-day life as the protagonist moves from diagnosis, to treatment and beyond. The format, devised by creative agency BMB, was inspired by research showing that two thirds of people diagnosed with breast cancer want more honest conversations about their experience. With the series set within a group chat, the audience will experience authentic, relatable, intimate portrayals of the characters’ experiences. Initially, an audience of prominent celebrities, journalists, breast cancer ambassadors and influencers will watch the series unfold in real time on their mobile phones and be invited to post content from the series to their social channels to tease the series for the wider general public. As the content ‘airs’ inside the group chat, it will also be made available to a wider audience via a dedicated microsite, the user interface of which reflects the experience of a group chat. As the narrative unfolds, the characters will mention and post links to the support Breast Cancer Now can offer, seamlessly weaving the charity into the fabric of the story. Real stories and experiences of breast cancer inspired and informed every aspect of the script. Among those who shared their own stories were Kendra, who reflected on how her family’s Caribbean heritage impacted their reaction to her diagnosis, Lurline, who reflected on the lack of discussion around health in black communities and Kelly, who described her deep struggle coming to terms with her body after surgery. These women’s stories were instrumental to the development of the campaign.