Strictly's Amy Dowden opens up about health journey and her 'different look on life' on World Cancer Day

The professional dancer was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023
Amy Dowden has marked World Cancer Day with a poignant social media post
Instagram @amy_dowden
Tina Campbell5 February 2024
The Weekender

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Amy Dowden has reflected on her personal health journey as she marked World Cancer Day on Monday.

The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, 33, was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent a mastectomy before doctors discovered she was also battling another form of cancer and would need further treatment.  

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, she shared a number of posts including pictures of herself in hospital during the gruelling cancer treatment. 

She also had some words of wisdom to share with her 653,000 followers, writing: "Today is World Cancer day! Let's keep raising awareness and hopefully one day help find a cure. The day I heard the words sorry Amy, it's cancer, my life changed forever. 

"I'm grateful for the care I receive, the NHS and incredible staff, my friends and family and that I'm still here and have a different look on life. 

"Make the most of every day, everyone, every opportunity and live life to the full or as I learnt on my journey, 'go grab life'."

She concluded her post by saying: "Please help raise awareness and one day help find a cure to help those suffering. I'm sending all my Welsh love to all affected by cancer."

Her post comes not long after she shared an update revealing that her hair has started to grow back after chemotherapy.

In a clip posted online, the Welsh dancer said she is feeling "happy" with her hair growth as she looked back at the difference from when she was having treatment.

Showing off her new locks while sat in her car, she gave the thumbs up to the camera and said: "It's been a little while so I thought I'd show you my hair growth.

Amy Dowden has regularly documented her cancer battle online
Instagram/Amy Dowden

"Makes me happy to see the difference and looking back. It's coming."

She also revealed she was due to have an MRI and hoped that the scan would be her last "for awhile".

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