Stunned when an annual mammogram delivered a diagnosis of breast cancer, Emmy®-winning TV host and lifestyle expert Sandra Lee embarked on a challenging voyage through treatment and recovery.
Capturing the most intimate moments of her story, RX: EARLY DETECTION, A CANCER JOURNEY WITH SANDRA LEE highlights the importance of early detection and informed decision-making in regards to treatment options. Directed by Peabody and Emmy® winner Cathy Chermol Schrijver, this candid film debuts MONDAY, OCT. 8 (8:00-8:40 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.
The documentary will also be available on HBO On Demand, HBO NOW, HBO GO and partners' streaming platforms.
In 2015, after 48-year-old Sandra Lee was diagnosed with breast cancer, she met with a range of doctors and cancer experts to help her understand her options. Eventually, with the support of her partner, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and her sister, Kimber Lee, she came to the decision to have a double mastectomy. It was a difficult choice, but Lee felt the procedure was the best option for her.
Deciding to document her journey, this very public professional allowed cameras to chronicle her most private moments over several months, as Lee's initial shock gave way to urgent resolve. RX: EARLY DETECTION features unrestricted access to doctors' offices, treatment rooms and her home, when Lee, Cuomo and Kimber Lee made their way through this difficult period. Now cancer-free, Lee is hoping to spread a message on the importance of early breast-cancer detection.
The documentary had its world premiere at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
A multiple Emmy®-winning television host and international lifestyle expert, Sandra Lee is a "Good Morning America" contributor and former Food Network host who authored 27 bestselling books before her 2015 breast cancer diagnosis. She received the City of Hope's Spirit of Life Award, the President's Volunteer Service Award, the Eleanor Roosevelt Medal of Honor, the Albert Einstein Award of Excellence and Ellis Island's Medal of Honor for her activism, which was also recognized by the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program.
RX: EARLY DETECTION, A CANCER JOURNEY WITH SANDRA LEE was executive produced by Sandra Lee, Cathy Chermol Schrijver, Kathy Bates and Geralyn White Dreyfous; directed by Cathy Chermol Schrijver; editor, Paula Heredia; original music, Michael Bacon. For HBO: executive producer, Sheila Nevins.
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