Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has been a beacon of resilience and positivity throughout her challenging journey with breast cancer. Diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year, Amy has been open about her battle, sharing her experiences and updates with her followers. Recently, she announced that there was “no evidence of disease” in her body, a significant milestone in her recovery. However, she acknowledges that it will take five years before she can be officially given the all-clear from cancer.
Amy has expressed immense gratitude for the care she has received and the unwavering support from her family, friends, and fans. She took to Instagram to share her joy and relief, stating, “My biggest accomplishment yet! I won’t be getting the all-clear for 5 years especially with a hormone-fed cancer. But it was all worth it. Words I never thought I’d hear at one point.” Her journey has been a testament to her strength and determination, and she continues to inspire many with her positive outlook.
Despite the challenges, Amy has been keeping her followers updated on her recovery journey. She recently shared on her Instagram Stories that she had to return to the hospital for her monthly check-up, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring to keep the cancer at bay. Alongside a selfie, she wrote, “It’s that time of the month again! But keeping the cancer AWAY also makes me notice how quick this year is going.”
Amy’s goal is to return to the Strictly Come Dancing stage later this year. During an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, she expressed her gratitude for being given another shot at life and her burning desire to get back to dancing. “I’ve been given another shot at life, and I’m so grateful for that. I really am,” she said. Amy has been working with her physio team to regain her strength and is hopeful to rejoin her Strictly family soon.
Amy’s journey has also inspired others to prioritize their health. Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, recently shared her own cancer scare following a routine mammogram. She credited Amy for prompting her to prioritize her check-up and stressed the importance of not skipping mammograms and seeking medical attention if a lump is found. Shirley’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health checks and early detection.
Throughout her journey, Amy has been supported by her husband, Ben Jones. On the occasion of their second anniversary, Amy shared an emotional tribute to Ben, expressing her gratitude for his unwavering support during her illness. “Happy 2nd anniversary! I think it’s fair to say we’ve been through quite a bit during married life,” Amy began the caption, referring to her tough 2023. “But I’m forever grateful for you! Thank you for this past year!”
Amy acknowledged the challenges Ben faced while supporting her, including keeping the house clean to avoid infections and maintaining a positive outlook. “I know at times it’s been so tough for you to watch but you kept positive, kept the house clean away from infections and tried to keep me as positive as possible. I love you even more! Let’s hope for a smoother year ahead!” she wrote. Amy’s heartfelt message highlighted the strength of their relationship and the importance of having a supportive partner during difficult times.
Amy’s journey has not only been about her battle with cancer but also about raising awareness and encouraging others to take care of their health. She has been candid about her experiences, sharing her story in the hopes of inspiring others to check themselves regularly and seek medical attention if needed. Amy’s advocacy work has been recognized, and she was recently made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her charity and advocacy work around inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s.
Amy’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, positivity, and support during challenging times. Her journey has touched the hearts of many, and her determination to return to the dance floor is a testament to her strength and passion for dancing. As she continues her recovery, Amy remains hopeful and grateful for the support she has received, and she looks forward to the day she can once again grace the Strictly Come Dancing stage.
Source: ITV, Instagram, BBC