Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has opened up about a significant promise she made to her family after being diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighting just how much the disease has reshaped her outlook on life. The Welsh dancer, aged 34, went through a harrowing period of treatment in 2023, including a mastectomy and extensive chemotherapy, following the shock diagnosis that year.
Thankfully, Amy received the good news earlier this year that, after months of difficult treatment, doctors found no further evidence of cancer. Nevertheless, she continues to be candid about the reality of life post-diagnosis, using her platform to increase awareness of cancer and its many challenges.
In a heartfelt Instagram post to her more than 700,000 followers, Amy reflected on how her experience with cancer made her reconsider the pace at which she had lived life. “After my cancer diagnosis, I promised my family—and myself—that I would take more downtime,” she shared. Amy admitted that she used to be someone who always said yes to everything, bustling through commitments in her demanding career, but her illness forced her to put her wellbeing at the forefront.
She explained that recent professional opportunities have kept her busy, but that she now views making space for rest as ‘essential’ rather than an indulgence. “Having time to slow down isn’t just okay—it’s essential,” Amy wrote, a sentiment that has resonated with many who have faced similar life-altering diagnoses.
In a series of photos posted alongside her reflections, Amy was pictured enjoying a restorative holiday in Spain with her twin sister, Becky. She described the trip as “the perfect little escape”, filled with sunshine, a glass or two of sangria, and, most importantly, a chance for the sisters to reconnect and recharge away from the spotlight. Amy noted that the getaway helped her begin the new season feeling “recharged, happy, stronger, and HEALTHIER than ever”.
Amy even gave a shout-out to the Ibiza hotel where she and her sister stayed, expressing her gratitude for the warm hospitality and the simple joys that such time away brought—especially in light of what she has endured over the past year.
As is often the case when well-known figures share their stories, Amy’s update prompted an outpouring of support and shared experiences from her followers. One commenter, who had also lived with breast cancer for many years, expressed how meaningful it was to see twins supporting each other through such difficult times. Others shared memories of loved ones lost to cancer, reminding followers to cherish the moments spent with family and friends.
Beyond her personal updates, Amy continues to use her online presence to encourage breast cancer awareness, urging women to regularly check themselves for warning signs like lumps, swelling, or unusual changes in the breast’s appearance. She has been vocal about the importance of self-examination, echoing NHS advice to check one’s breasts or chest each month in order to spot any changes early.
Her story stands as a reminder of the deeply personal and ongoing journey that follows a cancer diagnosis. While she looks forward to returning to the Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal studio for her ninth year with the show, her promise to herself and her family comes first: to prize health and downtime, to relish the company of loved ones, and to keep sharing her experience in the hope of helping others.
For many facing similar challenges, Amy’s openness and positivity serve as both comfort and inspiration, shining a light on the realities of recovery and the importance of self-care, no matter what life may bring.