Spurred by a personal tragedy, America's foremost documentarian is tackling cancer. Ken Burns examines cancer with a cellular biologist's precision, a historian's perspective, and a biographer's passion. The series artfully weaves three different films in one: a riveting historical documentary; an engrossing and intimate verite film; and a scientific and investigative report.

Based on the book "The Emperor of all maladies: a biography of Cancer" by Siddhartha Mukherjee. Special features: Additional scenes. "The following program contains mature content which may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised."

episode 1. Magic bullets / directed by Jack Youngelson and Barak Goodman -- episode 2. The blind men and the elephant / directed by Deborah Dickson and Barak Goodman -- episode 3. Finding an Achilles heel / directed by Chris Durrance and Barak Goodman ; Special features : Interview with the filmmakers -- Additional scenes.