Amy Dowden looks to saves lives after opening up about breast cancer battle
Amy Dowden has inspired numerous people to check themselves for breast cancer, after opening up about her battle with the disease.
The 33-year-old ballroom dancer, who is best known for appearing on 'Strictly Come Dancing', was diagnosed with aggressive stage three breast cancer in May 2023, and since announcing her health battle, Amy has been thanked by lots of people for inspiring them to check themselves for the disease.
In an interview with the Daily Star newspaper, she said: "I've had people come up to me and say, 'Because of you, I check me chest now.'
"And I've even had people message me online to say that because of me, they found a lump, went to their GP and have been diagnosed.
"This is why I went public about my cancer. I want to keep raising awareness."
Despite being open about her diagnosis, Amy's friend Sara Davies recently revealed the dancer considered delaying her chemotherapy because she was worried she would be dropped from 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Speaking on the Sunday Mirror newspaper's 'Invite Only' podcast, the 'Dragons' Den' star said: "What I've realised with the dancers is that from being little, they are hardwired to dance. And the biggest blow for her was, 'If I don't go down that route, I won't be able to do 'Strictly' this year.'
"I had to look her in the eye and say, 'Amy, you've got cancer. They've literally just cut your boob off. They are telling you you need to have this chemo to get better. Don't worry about dance and 'Strictly'.
"Her response was, 'But they might not want me back next year.' So I said, 'Amy, you're amazing at what you do, of course they will want you back. You're so well-loved. Please, it's really important. Get well.'
"And then she went on the show without her wig as well. What a phenomenal moment. When I saw her, I cried."
"She is a lot more positive now. She's on the road to recovery. But I can tell you, her focus is already on, 'When do we start training for next year's 'Strictly?' "
