How Could We Prevent Cancer? | Alan Tomusiak | TEDxBoston Salon

Cancer prevention as a goal comparable to preventing heart attacks is the focus of this TEDxBoston Salon talk by Alan Tomusiak, PhD, CEO of Permanence Bio. The talk argues that research has put more emphasis on better treatments than on stopping the disease before it starts. It points to examples from the natural world, such as elephants and bowhead whales, and to clinical trials of aspirin and nicotinamide in high-risk groups. A note from TED states that the talk is not a substitute for medical advice. The speaker's interest in longevity grew from the potential of treating disease as early as possible. The talk presents prevention as a possible shift in cancer care, though it notes that this will require considerable effort.

• Lowering cancer risk compared with cardiovascular prevention
• Examples from animals such as elephants and bowhead whales
• Clinical trials of aspirin and nicotinamide in high-risk groups
• Speaker: Alan Tomusiak, PhD, CEO of Permanence Bio

NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk as a substitute for medical advice and consult a medical professional before modifying medication or supplements. What if we could prevent cancer the way we prevent heart attacks? Medicines that lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Yet cancer research still focuses far more on developing better treatments than on preventing the disease altogether. The natural world, ranging from elephants to bowhead whales, shows that lowering cancer risk is possible. Clinical trials of aspirin and nicotinamide, too, have shown promising results in high-risk populations. We may be on the verge of a prevention revolution in cancer - but getting there will take great effort and courage. Alan Tomusiak, PhD, became interested in the field of longevity after realizing the immense potential of treating disease as early as possible. He completed his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and earned a PhD in the Biology of Aging at the University of Southern California. He is now the CEO at a company focusing on cancer prevention, Permanence Bio. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx