Hi Andy,
well I disagree....if cloning techniques get better AND if they could find a way to download your memories you could pretty much download to a new body every time you were in distress.
Cancer I believe is only so prevelant now due to the fact we do have longer lifespans...remember, the average male not too many moons ago, didnt live long enough for modern diseases. The longer the lifespan, the more chance you have at mutated cells due to environmental influences.
No nothing can last forever BUT compare a lifespan of even 500 years to now...it probably would seem like forever at the time. Rot wont worry you, synthesise a new organ etc etc this is already a reality.
As for the 2nd para in my spiel, it would be very interesting to found out (if possible) whether earlier man DID have cancer, disease etc compared to modern man and at what age?? Now that would be riveting science indeed!!!
cheers bullet
bullet1968
"A Darkness at Sethanon", a book I aspire to model some of the charcters and scenes