Million Dollar Tumour

In Million Dollar Tumour Dave Bowman narrates the “very personal tale” of his battle with cancer. The small town policeman was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2005, aged 35. Bowman took on funding agency Pharmac and the bureaucracy of the public health system to try to get a treatment drug subsidised for himself and other sufferers. Although his efforts partly prevailed, Bowman died in mid 2006, after this Inside New Zealand documentary screened. Directed by Dave Crerar (Here to Stay), Million Dollar Tumour won Best Documentary at the 2006 Qantas TV Awards.  

So here lies the problem: an ever increasing choice of drugs, but a very limited pool of funds. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because the medication exists, it exists for you.

– Dave Bowman

Key Cast & Crew

Roger Yeaxlee

Editor

David Crerar

Director

Steven O'Meagher

Producer

Penny Clevely

Additional Camera

Renee Johansen

Production Coordinator

Greg Junovich

Sound Design