Watch CBS News

Fiction Mirrors Reality In Film About 20-Something Cancer Patient

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A new movie 50/50 puts the spotlight on a cancer patient in his 20's. KYW Newsradio's Lynne Adkins talked with a New Jersey woman who is living a similar life.

Pam Cromwell has been fighting since she was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago at the age of 29. She has undergone surgery, chemo and radiation, relying on the support of her parents, friends and doctors at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia.

She says the movie 50/50 hits home, "There were certain scenes in there that were like right on target. It actually triggered for me to understand something in the role of the caregiver. I didn't understand how hard it targets our friends."

She identifies with the character Adam (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who faces his disease and his mortality.

"I was just starting my career. I am single, I have no children. (If I want) children now I have to look at the adoption side of things. Trying to get through day-by-day as a single person is much different I think than a normal cancer patient."

She hopes the film helps people understand that not all cancer patients are alike.

Read KYW Movie Critic Bill Wine's review of 50/50.

Reported by Lynne Adkins KYW Newsradio 1060

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.