Copyright dailyrecord
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden has taken to social media to announce that she will be leaving the show to undergo another mastectomy this week. In her recent video, she was quick to explain to her followers that this surgery is not taking place to treat a new cancer diagnosis. Instead, the decision came following a recent appointment with her "incredible" medical team. The 35-year-old was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in May 2023, and after a gruelling battle with the disease, she was given the all clear in February 2024. However, in a recent interview, Amy revealed that she initially "thought the worst" ahead of the all clear as she felt as though she was staring death in the face, reports the Mirror. Today, November 3, the Welsh dancer took to Instagram to inform her followers that she has chosen to have another mastectomy. She said: "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. 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. Thank you always for all the support." Many of Amy's Strictly co-stars and fans have taken to the comments to share their support for the star, with judge Motsi Mabuse writing: "Wishing you all the love, prayers, and positive energy, Amy! You're deeply missed, and we're looking forward to your wonderful return!" Amy's celebrity partner this year, Tom Skinner , also wrote: "Love ya Amy. Hope it all goes well. You are a legend". While her partner from 2021, Tom Fletcher, added: "All the love to you my wonderful friend." A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of a breast. According to the NHS , it is most commonly performed to treat breast cancer or to prevent it in high-risk individuals. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32, Amy had become one of the UK's most recognisable advocates for early cancer detection. In 2023, the pro dancer had to pull out of the Strictly competition that year as she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Amy kept her fans updated about her cancer experience on social media , and happily shared in February 2024 that there was "no evidence of disease" to be found in her latest check up. Amy also spoke to OK! on Sunday to share more about her journey with cancer. She revealed that even though she at first wanted to hide away from everyone and everything, she knew that by speaking out and highlighting her experience, she could potentially help save another life. She said: "Since my own breast cancer diagnosis, I want to do everything that I can to raise awareness and get the message out there to help others. I’m so proud to be on the other side of my diagnosis now. I’m finally feeling like myself again. "I’m finally Amy again. I’m happy in my life now. But the blow of having cancer and everything you go through throughout your diagnosis is something that never leaves you." Amy explained: "I never thought cancer would happen to me. Cancer, unfortunately, doesn’t discriminate and sadly more and more people at such a young age are being diagnosed with breast cancer."
