Joseph Woods from Dundalk had his world turned upside in 2019.  Just months after his wife, Katie suffered a stroke aged 26, Joseph aged 30 received the devastating news that he had cancer.

Joseph’s symptoms began as a mild pain in his back, which progressively got worse, with pain moving to his chest. “When they told me they had discovered a type of cancer, I couldn’t believe it.  I was only 30 years old, so cancer was the last thing that was on my mind”, Joseph says.

In February 2020 Joseph was told he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his stomach, back, bones, chest and neck.  Two days after he received his diagnosis, he began six months of chemotherapy treatment.

Joseph remembers this as a bittersweet time as that very week, himself and Katie learned that they were expecting their first child. He says that his treatment was challenging but believes that maintaining a positive attitude helped him to get through it.

Joseph was over the moon in August 2020, when he received the incredible news that he was cancer free and now in remission.

Joseph and Katie’s beautiful baby girl, Dayna was born in October 2020. Dayna is now three, and Joseph has since returned to work as a Prison Officer and is enjoying getting back into fitness.

“My fitness levels aren’t what they used to be, but that’s ok. Other than that, I’m feeling good. I go for check-ups every year or so, each time I’m hoping for the best.” 

Joseph found great solace in the support of the Irish Cancer Society during his diagnosis:

“I spoke to some Nurses through the Society’s Facebook page during my illness, and it was good to know that I wasn’t the only one going through it, to have someone to speak to and know that I wasn’t alone, because opening up and talking to people really helps, it makes it so much easier”.

Joseph is a keen advocate for early detection and wants to encourage others, especially men to seek help if they notice anything persistent or unusual. 

“If my story helps one person, I’ll be happy. I think especially men can put things off, but if there is something wrong, go get it checked. It mightn’t be serious but go get it sorted. If I hadn’t, I might not be here today to tell my story.”

Since Joseph was diagnosed in 2020, he has lost both his godparents, a cousin, and a friend to cancer. He says:

“Thankfully I am here to tell my story and unfortunately for many others they don't get that chance. Life can change so quickly for people, and we just don't know what is around the corner. So now I try to be as happy as I can all the time because God forbid, I might not be as lucky if my cancer ever came back. We just have to enjoy life every day because it can be taken from us so very quickly”.