As a society, we have a great fear of cancer—and it’s not hard to see why. Virtually every one of us has been touched by this disease. Most of us know survivors. Some of us are survivors. Many of us have lost people to the disease as well. When you're afraid, the feeling that you can take control of the situation can be very comforting.
The Centers for Disease Control recently hosted a meeting at which experts from several different fields discussed “Opportunities for Cancer Prevention During Midlife.”
Why midlife? Well, as the authors wrote, “Positive changes during this phase of life have the potential to prevent cancer incidence later in life, making this phase an opportune time for targeted prevention efforts to facilitate healthy aging and increased longevity.” But I think the recommendations outlined in their report make sense at any age.
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