Regarding Cancer In Spiritual Masters

[Scah]

There was a very well respected Buddhist monk (he asked people to never call him a master) in Taiwan who developed cancer 3 years before his death.
He had a round table talk with his follow seekers right before he passed away.
When they were discussing diseases and death, the audience wished him a healthy long life.
To which he lovingly joked with the audience that why would you wish me to prolong my stay in the world of suffering.
That talked left an unforgettable impression on me.

I think in a way these masters choose to face their karma and live through them while in this world instead of clearing/releasing them.
It's almost like wearing a watch to constantly reminding oneself of the busy day ahead while one could choose to forego the watch and go about the day freely. Since one has already planted the seed, why not see through it. That's my speculation anyways.

Also, the flip side of balancing and riding one's distortion might distort one's mind to seek perfection which might lead to obsession and fixation. That could be a reason too?