Amy Dowden, the professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing, has revealed that her battle with breast cancer has fundamentally altered her perspective on life. Marking the third anniversary of her mastectomy, the 35-year-old told fans she now treats every day as a 'gift'.
Three Years Since Mastectomy
Dowden was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, which led to a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and an early menopause due to the hormone-fed nature of her cancer. She announced her remission in February 2024. Sharing holiday photos on Instagram, she wrote: 'Three years ago today, I had just recently had my breast removed and was currently undergoing fertility treatment before starting chemotherapy. I was terrified, not only of the treatment itself, but of being thrown into a forced menopause because my cancer is hormone-fed.'
A Changed Outlook
Dowden continued: 'Fast forward exactly three years, and my perspective on life has completely changed. I live each day to the fullest, with so much gratitude for the little things I once took for granted. I know how lucky I am, and I never lose sight of that. Every day is a gift, and I’m determined to make the most of it. Here’s to resilience, hope, and celebrating every milestone.' She used the hashtags #BreastCancerSurvivor, #CancerJourney, #Gratitude, #Livelifetothefull, and #grateful.
Return to the Ballroom
Dowden, who has been a professional dancer on the BBC show since 2017, returned to the ballroom last year with partner Thomas Skinner, though they were the first couple eliminated. Looking ahead, she expressed interest in a judging role. Speaking to Best Magazine, she said: 'At the moment the judging panel [Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke] is perfect and I love them deeply. But obviously nothing lasts forever and in the future, I would love to see myself on there.'
Future Aspirations
She added that she becomes 'a very different person' when judging, explaining: 'I judge a lot of competitions around the country now and climbing the ranks and knowing what it means and how hard you've worked to get on to that dance floor. I take the job so seriously and try to make the right decisions so I can go to bed and sleep at night, knowing I made the right choice! People would see a very different Amy.' Dowden emphasised her deep understanding of the show, citing her health battles and experience as a female dancer on the programme, and affirmed her commitment to remaining part of the Strictly family.
