Shirley Ballas was supported by her Strictly Come Dancing co-star, Amy Dowden, after sharing a statement about the importance of breast screenings. The head judge took to Instagram to share her experience and urged her fans to be cautious.
Shirley is supporting a campaign encouraging women to attend their screening appointments after new figures showed the number of women in England who are up to date with breast screenings is the highest on record. Sharing a video to her Instagram page, Shirley said: “To all women invited for NHS breast screenings, I am Shirley Ballas, head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I am 64 years old and I think I am in pretty good health.
“I’ve also had many scares when it comes to various different cancers, so I’m encouraging women to always make sure that they get their breast screenings done. Make it a priority. So many times, we leave things because we’re too busy with out lives. We don’t always want to get things done there and then.
“I think it’s vital to be vigilant. Ladies, make sure you get there if you can. It might she save your life. Love and hugs, Shirley.” She also shared a picture of the hand written letter she’d read out and comments on the post: “To all women invited for @NHS breast screening,
“I’m proud to support the @NHS breast screening campaign, encouraging women over 50 to attend their breast screening appointment when invited. So many times, we leave things like this because we’re too busy with our lives. But I think it’s vital to be vigilant, ladies. Make it a priority. It might just save your life. Yours, Shirley.”
Strictly’s Amy Dowden was among those to respond, sharing a pink heart emoji and the praying hands emoji in the comments section. Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and the professional dancer underwent a mastectomy and fertility treatment.
Last February, it was confirmed Amy’s scans showed ‘no evidence of disease’ and she could return to her role on the BBC dancing show. She has since been dedicated to raising awareness to encourage other to check their breasts like she did.
She has regularly made updates from her journey as she has recuperated after her illness and returned to performing. Amy took to Instagram to mark World Cancer Day as she admitted her life will never be the same.
She said: “Supporting those living with cancer, those supporting their loved one’s affected by cancer, admiring the survivors, honouring those we have lost, and never, ever GIVING UP.
“Please check yourself and if you notice any changes with your body or how you feel please book an apt with your GP! Forever grateful to the Drs, nurses, paramedics, NHS, researchers, volunteers, charities and to all those individuals who have helped and supported me!
“Since those words in 2023, sorry Amy it’s cancer, my life will never be the same. But I’m So grateful to those above who saved me, made me stronger and even more determined! Welsh love to all those affected by cancer especially those finding today tough.”
In the latest series, Amy made her triumphant return to the ballroom alongside celebrity partner JB Gill and they went on to take part in the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour. Amy is soon heading back out on the road with fellow performer, Carlos Gu, with new show, Reborn. The show is described as a testament to the joy of dancing and will arrive at the Liverpool M&S Bank Arena on March 29.