Amy Dowden documented her gruelling cancer journey on social media and has fought for more awareness of the illness
Amy Dowden has shared a candid breast cancer update with fans, one year after receiving the all-clear. The 34-year-old Strictly Come Dancing star faced a challenging time after being diagnosed with the illness in 2023, undergoing a mastectomy and intensive chemotherapy.
Using social media to share her progress, Amy received the uplifting news of ‘no evidence of the disease’ in February 2024. Yet, the Welsh ballroom expert is unwavering in her commitment to raising awareness of the disease, providing regular heartfelt updates to her followers.
Yesterday, Amy reflected on her personal struggle by posting an old photo of herself at the hospital undergoing a scan. She captioned it: “Just seen pic in an article online. This was my scan, nearly a year ago.
“I’m smiling there (inside I was [nervous] but gosh have I come such a long way since. It’s the first of the month!” Amy then posed an important question to her fans about their well-being.
“When was the last time you checked yourself?”, she asked. “I’m going to share the resources/next story! If you’re not checking, who is?” Amy highlighted tools from CoppaFeel! which encourage individuals to periodically check and feel their breasts for any odd changes.
Among potential warning signs to be vigilant of are lumps, swelling, and peculiar alterations in the size or shape of the breasts, in addition to other symptoms:
- 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
- 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)
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.” Amy’s plea also comes just days after the health service urged eligible individuals aged 50 to 71 to get a mammogram.
Typically, women receive invitations every three years for breast cancer screenings until they reach 71. Members of the transgender community, including trans men, trans women, and non-binary people, are also entitled to routine screenings. However, some may need to proactively reach out to their GP to ensure they’re included in the process.
During the appointment, a female specialist will perform four X-rays of the breasts, with each session typically lasting just 30 minutes. NHS England further explains: “For every 100 people who have breast screening, four will need further tests.
“This does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Most people who need further tests do not have breast cancer. You will be invited for a breast assessment appointment.
“If you’re worried or have any questions, you can speak to a breast screening nurse over the phone before your appointment. Your invitation for further tests will tell you how to contact them.
“…The specialist team will tell you when and how you will get your results, depending on which tests were done.”
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
