The Rt Revd Prof. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, shares an update on his health following a diagnosis of and subsequent treatment for prostate cancer.
Bishop David reflected on his diagnosis on this morning's Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4. You can read his reflection in full here:
It began with an abnormal result, found in a routine blood test. An MR scan followed, locating a hotspot, then a biopsy extracted some cancerous cells from my prostate. I’ve not shared this news very widely to date, but I noticed my reaction to King Charles having to cancel appointments last week, and his experience resonated.
Catching and treating my cancer early, means my prognosis is pretty good, though I may, for the next two years, trigger airport alarms sensitive to radioactivity. Nevertheless, a brush with one of the major causes of death, has focused my thoughts, these last few months, on my own mortality, especially when stories of other, more famous, cancer patients have led the news.
Lent, the period which Christians in the West are now half way through, is traditionally a time for such reflections. Many begin the season by having the symbol of a cross drawn with ashes on their forehead, accompanied by the words, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. As we progress towards Easter, we are encouraged to contemplate the death and resurrection of Jesus. I find myself this year, in consequence of my diagnosis, affirmed and strengthened in my belief that the God who has made me and loves me, intends me not for destruction, but for an eternity in his presence, one that lies far beyond my imagining.
I don’t blame God for my cancer. It exists as a consequence of the natural phenomenon of cells to mutate, without that, creatures like you and me would never have evolved. No more do I blame God for earthquakes, such as the one which has devastated parts of Myanmar these last few days. The seismic activity of our planet was essential in converting its atmosphere to one in which complex creatures can survive. Those I do hold guilty are the political and business leaders who deny lifesaving healthcare to their fellow citizens, by making medical care dependent on personal wealth, and those governments who see natural disasters not as an imperative to humanitarian aid but as an opportunity to progress military objectives.
Unlike the American billionaires reportedly pouring money into research they hope might enable the super wealthy to live forever, being confronted by my illness has gradually helped me to feel ready to go when my earthly life reaches its natural conclusion, be that through cancer or otherwise. But until then, I’ll seek to continue to live in that love of God which inspires and energises me to seek to be a force for good in a world where the malignant cancers I need to fight are those of gross inequality, hatred and injustice.