Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares emotional update one year after cancer diagnosis

amy dowden wearing a big smile and a pale pink shirt on lorraine
Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares emotional updateKen McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared an emotional update one year after receiving her cancer diagnosis.

The professional dancer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer last year and has been sharing health updates with fans online ever since, with a recent update revealing the good news that doctors had found "no evidence of disease" in her body after undergoing months of chemotherapy.

To mark one year since her diagnosis, Amy took to Instagram to share a video charting her health journey so far, along with an emotional message looking back at everything that she and her "body has been through and achieved".

Related: Strictly's Amy Dowden reveals bleach blonde hair transformation

"These past few weeks and especially days I’ve constantly been thinking this time last year I was having this test, or this appointment," Amy began.

"A year ago today it was confirmed what we thought it was but it became reality and my life changed forever when the Dr said we are sorry Amy it’s cancer. I can’t believe it’s been a year and all what my body has been through and achieved.

"A year ago Ben, myself and my twin sister cried together and had to pull ourselves together as we had to break the news to my parents and just knowing the heart ache and worry it was going to cause.

"I used to lay awake for hours with my mind going to all sorts of places, would I make it to Christmas, would I dance again, how’s Ben going to cope, I don’t want to lose my hair, you name it. I wish I knew then how I would be a year on."

amy dowden on loose women
Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Related: Strictly's Amy Dowden was worried show wouldn't want her back after chemo

She continued: "I told myself constantly this too shall pass and a year on, my hair growing back, my energy getting better and better, back dancing and most importantly spending time with my family and friends and appreciating life.

"I have a new body i’m still learning to accept and like, but do you know what it got me through the hardest time and I’m so proud of myself. Too many people are affected by cancer and I’ll do all I can now to raise awareness and give back."

Amy went on to share her "love and strength" to "those struggling right now," before thanking her family and friends for sticking by her side throughout her battle.

"I know I’m lucky and blessed for another shot at life, here’s to a healthier, better, happier and dancing year ahead," she added, concluding the message by reminding her followers to regularly check themselves because "early detection can save lives".

If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.


Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Tickets for Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals live tour are available now.

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