The Pig in the Python

We, the “Baby Boomers”, were born between 1946 and 1964. Nice numerical bookends to remember who we are. I was born in 1953 so I’m nicely embedded in the center of this large, unruly, and predictable but independent demographic group. We are—according to demographers-- the “Pig in the Python”—so named because they can watch us move along the lifespan and longevity track.

Yes, we know there are so many of us and we know the benefits. Wish for a more comfortable shoe for your middle-aged feet? Ten new brands. Want a vacation geared to an aging but not willing to admit it body? Thousands to choose from.

But here’s a fun fact to pause and think about: Our big group is aging together and we are getting—and going to get—disabled together, and we are going to have more and more and more cancer together. This is the consequence of our “Boomer Bump” combined with better healthcare. The longer you live the more cancer, and more likelihood of cancer, you’ll have.

So we all have a very selfish and very altruistic reason to care about cancer. If you too were born between 1946 and 1964 cancer is coming soon to a body near you.