Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has shared a positive health update, confirming she has successfully undergone a second mastectomy and is now focused on her recovery.
Successful Surgery and Road to Recovery
The 35-year-old dancer, who was first diagnosed with cancer in May 2023, revealed the surgery took place recently and has been completed successfully. In an emotional Instagram post shared on Thursday night, Dowden wrote: 'Thank you for all the messages and love. Sorry I've not replied to anyone.'
She continued with reassuring news about her condition: 'Surgery went well and lots of sleep and resting up. Hubby & Family have been looking after me and the besties have turned up with the goods and nothing is stopping us from watching the traitors…keeping the tradition going.'
Medical Decision and Previous Treatment
While emphasizing there was no new cancer diagnosis, Dowden explained that her medical team had advised the second mastectomy as the best preventative course of action. This follows her initial intensive treatment in 2023, which included chemotherapy and her first mastectomy.
Speaking previously on Strictly's It Takes Two, the professional dancer had been transparent about her health journey: 'As you all know, I've always been very open about my health and the care I receive. So I'd like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis.'
Strictly Come Dancing's Lifesaving Role
Dowden has previously credited Strictly Come Dancing with saving her life, specifically highlighting her partnership with McFly's Tom Fletcher in 2021. 'Tom and Giovanna worked very closely with breast cancer charities, and that is what led to me finding my tumour and being diagnosed with cancer,' she explained. 'Without Tom, I wouldn't be here now.'
Following her initial treatment, Strictly producers found ways to include her in the show despite being unable to compete. 'Strictly was amazing and still found a way for me to be part of the show,' she recalled emotionally. 'Being able to perform in that number gave me hope and it was what I needed.'
This year marked her full return to the competition, though her partnership with Thomas Skinner saw them become the first couple eliminated. Despite the early exit, Skinner praised his professional partner, calling her 'amazing' and acknowledging she was 'a different class.'
While doctors have found no further sign of disease, Dowden understands she won't receive the official 'all clear' until five years have passed. She remains optimistic about returning to Strictly once recovered, stating: 'Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family.'
