Professional dancer Amy Dowden has shared a deeply personal update with her fans, revealing that she is preparing for a second mastectomy this week as part of her ongoing fight against breast cancer.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 35, has been candid about her health journey since being diagnosed in May 2023.
Amy’s journey has been challenging, involving her first mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatments, and a near-fatal bout of sepsis.
Despite a February 2024 update showing no detectable cancer, doctors have advised that she will require continued monitoring and treatment over the next five years.
Open Letter to Fans on Instagram
On Monday, Amy shared an Instagram post to keep her supporters informed about the next steps in her treatment. She wrote:
“As you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive.
So I’d like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis.
However, following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week.
They’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery.”
Amy reassured fans that she hopes to return to the Strictly dancefloor once she has healed.
She concluded warmly: “Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family. Of course I’m going to miss not being there so much but I will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on.
Thank you always for all the support. Welsh love Amy xxx.”
Continuing Treatment and Monthly Appointments
As part of her ongoing care, Amy regularly attends her local oncology ward for monitoring and monthly injections.
Last month, she candidly discussed the emotional impact of her early exit from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with Thomas Skinner.
“I’m gutted to be out of the competition because I really wanted to represent cancer survivors – and I feel like I’ve let them down,” she said at the Women of the Year Awards in London.
“I wanted Thomas to go far but, selfishly, I wanted to do it for the cancer community.”
Returning to Strictly and Life After Cancer
Amy’s journey with cancer began less than a year after marrying fellow dancer Benjamin Jones.
Her initial return to Strictly, when paired with JLS singer JB Gill, was cut short after six weeks due to a foot injury. She explained at the time:
“I just wanted to show what you can be capable of following life after cancer.
Coming back onto Strictly and getting back on the dancefloor will show ladies and men there is life after a cancer diagnosis.”
Despite leaving the competition early this year, Amy reflected positively on her partnership with Thomas Skinner, saying:
“I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much.
We’ve worked so hard and a glitterball would have been amazing but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more important than anything.”
Thomas added of their time together: “I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing.
It’s been great fun and I’ve enjoyed it! Thank you, Amy.”
Breast Cancer Facts and Awareness
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, affecting more than two million women each year.
In the UK, over 55,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, with around 11,500 women dying from the disease.
In the US, breast cancer strikes approximately 266,000 women each year and causes around 40,000 deaths.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer originates from abnormal cells developing in the lining of a duct or lobule in the breast.
When the cancer spreads to surrounding tissue, it is classified as invasive. Some cases, called carcinoma in situ, remain confined to the ducts or lobules.
While most cases occur in women over 50, younger women can be affected, and men may also rarely develop the disease.
Causes and Risk Factors
Breast cancer starts from a single abnormal cell, though the exact cause is often unclear.
Genetic factors, hormonal changes, and certain lifestyle factors can increase risk.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The first sign is often a painless lump in the breast, though many lumps are benign cysts.
Cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the armpit, causing swelling. Diagnosis typically involves physical exams, mammography, and biopsies. Further imaging and blood tests may be used to check for spread.
Treatment Options
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy.
Many patients receive a combination of therapies depending on cancer type and stage. Early detection improves outcomes significantly.
For more information, support, or resources, visit breastcancernow.org or call the free helpline on 0808 800 6000.