Strictly’s Amy Dowden opened up about what was once her biggest fear as she marks 2 years since finding her cancer lump. On Saturday, April 12, she shared a heartfelt post on her Instagram page, recalling her health journey.
Just a day before her dream honeymoon in April 2023, the 34-year-old dancer felt a lump in her right breast while showering. Initially, she brushed it off, thinking it was just a hormonal blip. But as the days passed, the lump became harder to ignore, as she couldn’t help “checking it everyday” (sic). After returning home, Amy went to the GP, and after a series of tests, she was given the devastating news that she had grade 3 breast cancer.
She said: “Two years ago I found my lump and my gut instinct told me it wasn’t good. I was in Blackpool, about to do a full day in the ballroom with all my students.” Adding: “That morning in the shower is when my heart sunk. I was also flying off on my long awaited honeymoon the next day.”
“I knew in my gut it wasn’t right. The entire time I was away I was checking it everyday and googling when Ben wasn’t looking.”
The Strictly Come Dancing favourite underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy, leading her to step back from her role on the BBC dance show. However, her luck took a turn for the better when she was given the all-clear in February 2024.
Amy emotionally confessed to her followers that she once believed her honeymoon would be her “last,” admitting as her mind began to “spiral” and go to a dark place. She wrote: “I remember one day cycling back to our villa and actually thinking this might be my last holiday. Your mind spirals so quickly. It’s crazy how dates become so significant after a cancer diagnosis.”
She went on to reveal she is in a much better place now saying: “So much has changed since then but I am so proud of how far I’ve come.” She shared a two pictures of herself, when she returned to Strcitly and another in a hospital room waiting results on her scan.
Amy penned: “This year compared to me mid treatment, is two very different versions of me. I constantly dreamed about getting the old ‘me’ back and you know what, this year has been everything, and so much more, two back to back dancing tours-my body feeling stronger and fitter than ever.
She concluded her post by saying: “2025 I always said sounded like a good year. But what I have certainly learnt along the way is not to compare myself to others, learning the full process of recovery has its hurdles, takes the time it needs, both physically and mentally. I have learnt to be kind to myself!
“I always told myself during treatment this too shall pass and my fav moto of all time don’t get bitter get better. BUT what I really want to say and to get across is always trust your gut! You know your own body, don’t be scared to see your GP and express how you feel. Trust your instincts, trust your gut and remember you know YOU better than anyone else!.”
Fans inundated the star on her brave post with one person saying: “So good to see you feeling strong and well again x” Another person wrote: “Love this! Don’t get bitter get better! what an inspirational message and story. Congrats Amy you look so healthy and gorgeous!” A third person added: “What an inspirational woman you are !! I’ve learnt so much from you !!!”
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