Amy Dowden has spoken out about her decision to undergo a second mastectomy. The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 35, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and just under a year later, she was told by doctors that there was “no sign of the disease” but she has continued to undergo various medical treatments.
In November, Amy confirmed she was undergoing another mastectomy, but clarified it was not due to a new cancer diagnosis and became emotional as she insisted she “can’t go through another cancer diagnosis” as she looks to a future with her husband that hopefully includes children.
In a pre-recorded film that was aired on Monday’s edition of ITV’s Lorraine, she explained: “I think the shocking thing for me with the cancer diagnosis was that I thought once I’d rung that bell, it was gonna be all done and dusted, but it really, really isn’t. It’s two years since I finished my active chemotherapy and then the following year, unfortunately, with my mammogram, it picked up specs on my other breast. Although they came back as pre-cancerous cells, it’s still always been in the back of my mind.
“Something else that has worried me is that we knew I had a tumour in my right breast, and we know I had ductal cancer, but when they went in to operate, they found two other tumours. For me, making the decision to take my left breast off, this is preventative.”
“I’m young, I want children, I would do anything to just have my old life back. I certainly don’t want to go have surgery again but what I do know is that I can’t go through another cancer diagnosis right now. I can’t.”
Amy was then seen chatting to her husband about the surgery where she insisted that they had to think of the “long term goal” and believes it is all the “right time” to go through with it. Cameras then followed the dancer as she went for a consultation with her surgeon, and was then seen being wheeled through the hospital in a bed as the doctor explained that the surgery had been successful.
Lorraine then told viewers that next week, the star would be seen in documenting her post-op journey and showbiz guru Ross King hailed her as an “inspirational” woman.
Appearing on The One Show on Friday, Amy opened up more about her recent operation. Show host Alex Jones asked: “We know you’ve had another op. How are you feeling?” The Strictly star then revealed: “Do you know I’m feeling really well. Thank you.”
Opening up about the surgery, Amy said: “Three weeks ago yesterday, I had another mastectomy. The first week to 10 days, a bit rough, but every day feeling better and stronger.”
She continued: “I’m just itching now to go back on the dance floor when I’m fully recovered. Obviously, I’m not gonna rush it, but yeah, doing really well. Thank you.”
Alex then added, “You look at a picture of health. As always.” While co-host Clara said: “Eyes are sparkling. So delighted to have you here.”
Earlier this year, Amy was thrilled to be announced as a main dancer in the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing for the 2025 run. She was paired with Apprentice star Tom Skinner – only to be the first contestants to be cut from the series.
While professional dancers remain on the series to participate in dance routines, Amy was forced to drop out to undergo her latest surgery.
Discussing her health in a post shared on Instagram in November, she wrote: “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.
“However following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week.”
She continued: “They’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery. Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my strictly family. Of course I’m going to miss not being there so much but I will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on.”
Amy added: “Thank you always for all the support.”