The Welsh dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and shared her journey on social media
Amy Dowden has opened up about the ‘hard slog’ of recovery following her battle with cancer. The Strictly Come Dancing star, 35, underwent a mastectomy and intense chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
Amy documented her journey on social media, happily announcing in February 2024 that she had ‘no evidence of the disease.’ However, the Welsh dancer has now revealed that recovery took longer than expected, which she described as a ‘very scary time’.
Speaking on the Breast Cancer Uncovered podcast, she said: “All of a sudden my diary was blank because I was cancelling dance shows, I was cancelling up and coming work. And I didn’t know: was I going to be dancing again?
“Was I going to be working again? It was a very scary time and you don’t know when you are going to get back to full health. There is no guarantee you will.” Breast Cancer Uncovered is a five-part series which explores the ‘realities of breast cancer’, touching on topics like diagnosis, recovery and even diet.
Amy worked with breast cancer surgeon, Naren Basu, to film the series, which is available to listen to on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. During this episode’s conversation, she continued: “For me, if somebody who had such a full-on loaded diary to all of a sudden then to be cancelling everything and not know when your life was going to resume was, for me particularly, was really tough.”
She also added: “I thought that was it. Life was going to resume. I didn’t realise that hard slog then of recovery and how long that actually took.”
Possible signs of breast cancer
Amy often uses her platform to highlight breast cancer awareness and encourages women to frequently examine themselves for crucial warning signs. Amongst potential indicators to watch for are lumps, swelling, and unusual changes in breast size or shape, alongside other symptoms:
- Change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (it may look like orange peel) or redness, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
- Change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (it may look like eczema)
- Nipple discharge (if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
- Lumps or swelling in your breast, chest, or armpit
- Change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts, or either side of your chest – it’s common for breasts to be different sizes, but check for any changes that are not normal for you
- Sores or ulcers on your chest
Advice from the NHS also adds: “Checking your breasts or chest regularly helps you learn what looks and feels normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes that could be a sign of a condition such as breast cancer.
“You should try to check your breasts or chest about once a month.”
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How can I get a breast screening?
The NHS invites females registered with a GP to take a breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. These invitations are generally sent in the post.
“If you’re a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment,” the health body adds. “You need to be registered with a GP surgery to be invited for breast screening.”
However, anyone who notices unusual changes in their breasts is encouraged to seek GP advice, regardless of their age. The NHS adds: “Lumps in the breasts can have lots of different causes. They’re often caused by something harmless like a non-cancerous tissue growth (fibroadenoma) or a build-up of fluid (breast cyst).
“Sometimes, a breast lump can be a sign of something serious like breast cancer. Do not try to self-diagnose the cause of your lump – always see a GP.”
Further information is available at the NHS website.
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that’s open every day from 8am to 8pm. They’re there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about. Call: 0808 808 00 00