The Jedi have been described as being able to "Force Heal" themselves after sustaining injuries....
That was my initial thought, too. Injuries usually happen quite suddenly, though, therefore the need for a 'dedicated' "Force Heal". Perhaps for 'slower' dangers like a disease the (light-side) Force user constantly & subconsciously uses the Force to heal himself?
On the other hand I think I've read somewhere (EU-related) that Sith alcemy could create really aweful diseases which were able to kill Jedi, too, so probably that protection is not 100%...