Amy Dowden, renowned professional dancer and cherished member of the Strictly Come Dancing family, has recently shared some devastating news.
At the tender age of 32, Amy has been diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer, an announcement that has deeply saddened fans and supporters alike.
Known for her exceptional talent and memorable performances alongside celebrities such as Tom Fletcher, Karim Zeroual, and James Bye, Amy took to Instagram to courageously reveal her battle with cancer.
In a heartfelt message posted on Wednesday morning, she expressed, “Hey all, I’ve got some news to share which isn’t easy. I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I’m determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it.” Signing off with “Welsh love, Amy x,” her words resonated with strength and resilience.
Amy further shared the details of her diagnosis in an interview with Hello! magazine.
The dancer recounted how her involvement in a charity trek for CoppaFeel last June indirectly led to the discovery of her own condition. Prior to the trek, Amy had not been vigilant about checking her breasts.
However, the day before embarking on a belated honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones earlier this year, she detected a hard lump in her right breast.
After monitoring the lump for a couple of weeks and noticing its growth, Amy sought medical advice from her GP.
She was swiftly referred for emergency evaluation, where doctors delivered the distressing news that the situation appeared grave and advised her to hope for the best while preparing for the worst. Subsequently, a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of grade three breast cancer just last week.
Amy shared with Hello!, “Three is the most aggressive, but they feel like they’ve caught mine early, and I shouldn’t be overly alarmed because grade 3 would be expected in somebody of my age.” While awaiting a comprehensive treatment plan, she anticipates that surgery will undoubtedly be a part of her journey.
Expressing her uncertainty, Amy added, “I don’t know the stage of the cancer yet, as I need to undergo an MRI scan and biopsy for a second lump discovered in the same breast. Once that is done, I can receive a full prognosis.”
This recent diagnosis adds to the health challenges that Amy has faced, as she has also been open about her battle with Crohn’s Disease over the years.
Crohn’s, a chronic condition affecting the digestive tract, often leads to irritable bowel syndrome and presents ongoing struggles for its sufferers. In the past year, Amy endured two hospitalisations within two months due to her condition.
Despite the profound impact that Crohn’s can have on daily life, Amy credits her role on Strictly Come Dancing as a saving grace. In 2021, she revealed, “Crohn’s is a chronic condition that affects my digestive system and causes indescribable pain. I’ve lived with it since childhood, accepting that there is no cure. Dancing has been my lifeline, but it’s a constant battle. I live in fear that the thing I love most could be taken away.” Amy continued, describing the unique experiences of those living with Crohn’s, stating, “Everyone experiences it differently—my symptoms include severe constipation, sickness, and excruciating pain. The pain can be so intense that I lose consciousness. Many sufferers end up requiring surgery, but until now, I’ve managed my symptoms through supplements and a strict diet.”
Expressing the significance of Strictly Come Dancing in her life, Amy emphasised, “Strictly is more than just a dance show to me; it has carried me through the darkest moments of my illness.”
We send her love during this difficult time. 💖
