Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has revealed she will be undergoing another mastectomy this week. The 34-year-old has been dealt setback after setback over recent years since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
The dancer has refused to be beaten by her diagnosis and has been open about her journey in order to raise awareness of the condition. After undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, Amy revealed in February 2024 that tests showed “no evidence of disease”, which meant she could return to Strictly Come Dancing in September 2024.
Amy has taken to Instagram today to issue another health update as she confirmed she would be go undergoing a second mastectomy this week and taking some time away from Strictly. She said: “Hey everyone, 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. 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”
The NHS explains a mastectomy is surgery to remove 1 of your breasts. People took to the comments to wish Amy well after the health update. Strictly co-star Karen Hauer said: “Sending all the love.”
Kai Widdrington posted: “All the love in the world Amy” Cariad said: “Love you & sending you so much love ames.” Sara commented: “Big hugs for you, Warrior Amy!”
Lynette added: “Sending love and positivity xxxx” Lou commented: “wishing you all the very best lovely Amy! loved, loved, loved seeing your wonderful dancing on Strictly last Saturday”
Amy spoke to the ECHO earlier this year about the importance of being candid throughout her health battle. She admitted it was “scary” to be so public about a private issue, but knew she had to face up to her fears to raise awareness on such an important cause that affects so many.
She said: “‘I’d opened up about my Crohn’s disease and I’d saw the impact that made. When I was diagnosed [with cancer], I knew it was going to come out to the public so I wanted to turn such a negative into a positive and hopefully get people checking themselves.
“Early detection saves lives. I never thought, at 32, I’d be diagnosed with breast cancer. If you’re not checking yourself, then who is because you don’t get mammograms until you’re in your 50s.
“I wanted to raise awareness and get as many people as I possibly could checking themselves to save lives. But also make sure people who can get their mammograms are not missing their routine appointments.
“It was very scary and I did have doubts, but, ultimately, you’ve got to think of the bigger picture and I wanted to use the platform I’ve been so lucky to have been given to hopefully help others and save lives.”