Ian Joynson from Liverpool is another example of how much progress is being made in lung cancer. Thanks to early screening and improved treatments, his cancer was caught sooner — and now, he’s making plans, creating memories, and looking forward to the future.
Ian shares his experience as part of our Lights of Hope campaign.
“When I was diagnosed with lung cancer, my aim was to make it to my youngest daughter’s wedding. Now, I want to see my grandchildren get married.
“There’s no reason why not. It’s probably more realistic than my other dream of seeing Everton win the league!
How it started
“I was first invited for a lung health check a few years ago. The first two screenings were clear, no concerns. But on my third visit, the scan showed a small nodule at the bottom of my left lung.
“I didn’t panic at that point. I went back for a follow-up scan three months later, which thankfully showed no change. But the scan after that? That one showed it had grown. So I was sent for more tests.
“A PET scan confirmed the worst: it was cancer. It had already spread to my tonsils and then I found out it was in my lymph nodes too. I’d gone from stage 1 to stage 3. That was a tough pill to swallow.
“But here’s the thing — if I hadn’t gone for screening, I wouldn’t have known anything until it was much too late. Because I caught it relatively early, I still had good treatment options. That gave me hope.
Lung cancer treatment and remission
“I had surgery which was then followed up with four rounds of chemotherapy. Because I was in pretty good health, the doctors gave me a high dose — really tough stuff. I knew it was going to be brutal, but I told them to throw everything they had at it. I wanted to give myself the best possible chance.
“And it worked. My follow-up scans showed that I was in remission. That was a huge relief. It felt like I’d been given another shot at life.
Living with a BRAF mutation
“During the testing, they also found that my cancer had a BRAF mutation. That means there’s a higher chance of it coming back. No one wants to hear that kind of news. But I try not to dwell on it. Instead, I focus on the positives.
“I’m monitored regularly, and if the cancer does return, we’ll catch it early and act fast. Plus, treatments are improving all the time. That gives me a lot of hope.
Life after lung cancer
“I’m back on my bike — an electric one now, but it gets me out in the fresh air. Cycling has always been one of my favourite hobbies, and now I get to do it with my grandkids. It means so much to share those moments with them.
“My wife, Lynn, and I have a motor home and we’re planning lots more adventures. Life feels full again. I’ve got both my daughters, Jemma and Hannah, and I get to be part of their lives in a way I wasn’t sure I ever would. Being there for Hannah’s wedding was everything. I can’t describe the feeling of walking her down the aisle. That moment made everything — every tough day of treatment — worth it.
Giving something back
“At the wedding, we all wore Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation pin badges. It was our way of saying thank you. This charity has played such an important role in making screening available. Without it, I might not be here today.
“They gave me a chance to have a longer, happier life. I’ll always be grateful for that.
“Hearing the words “you have lung cancer” is one of the worst moments of my life. You can’t prepare for it. But you start to create new goals — new milestones. Mine was Hannah’s wedding. Now, I’m dreaming much further ahead.
“There’s no reason why not.”
A Quick Word About BRAF-Positive Lung Cancer
During his diagnosis, Ian learned that his cancer had a BRAF mutation — a genetic change that affects how cells grow and divide. The BRAF gene normally helps regulate cell growth, but when it mutates, it can cause cells to grow uncontrollably, which can lead to cancer.
Around 4% of people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have this mutation. While it does increase the risk of the cancer returning, research into targeted treatments is moving quickly. For people like Ian, that means there are more options — and more hope — than ever before. It’s not the news anyone wants, but it’s no longer the end of the story.