I have discovered that a “C” word can be either cause dread or elation. I felt the full impact of the dreaded version 30 months ago when I was diagnosed with inoperable prostate cancer.

It was devastating to be told that on the balance of probability I would die some time in 2010 and my final days would not be a pleasant experience.

I warned a handful of genetic relatives, even though I had had no communication with them for many years. This attracted short “thank you”...