I see that Alan Rickman only became aware of how ill he was several weeks ago. With serious illnesses I think there is a threshold between the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment and being blissfully unaware until just before the end. Where that threshold rests will obviously differ from person to person but I have known several elderly people who have bravely not subjected themselves to invasive treatment and opted for palliative care. I am not suggesting that 69 is elderly !
