Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has provided an update on her recovery, two weeks after undergoing a second mastectomy. The dancer, first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, shared a post-operative selfie on Instagram, wearing a compression bra and checked brown trousers.
Dowden told followers she is “proud” of her progress, taking each day as it comes and celebrating “the small wins”. She wrote: “This picture I took the day I come out of hospital, post surgery! Tomorrow marks two weeks since my surgery, and I’m feeling proud with how far I’ve come.” She added that she is seeing gradual improvements in movement and energy levels.
On her Instagram Story, the Welsh dancer elaborated: “I am doing so much better thank you, since the weekend I've started to feel like me again, my energy and movement is back, its not so tender and the bruising has gone down.” She noted that she had her dressings removed a week after surgery and is “really happy” with the result, now focusing on recovery and getting back to the dance floor.
Dowden also discussed wardrobe adjustments, saying she cannot wear low tops or certain dresses due to compression bras and restricted movement, but used it as an excuse for “retail therapy”. She reassured fans she is doing “really really well” and is looking forward to watching the Strictly stars at Blackpool on Saturday.
Earlier this month, Dowden revealed the surgery was “not to treat a new cancer diagnosis” but followed a consultation with her medical team. She had previously undergone a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility preservation and treatment for sepsis. In February 2024, she announced “no evidence of disease” at her latest health check. Dowden returned to Strictly this year partnered with Thomas Skinner, but was eliminated in week two.
