Amy Dowden and Breast Cancer: How She Went Against It, How She Survived, and More

Amy Dowden, born on August 10, 1990, in Caerphilly, Wales, is a renowned professional ballroom and Latin American dancer. She gained widespread recognition as the first Welsh professional to join the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2017. Throughout her tenure on the show, Amy has showcased her exceptional talent, notably reaching the finals in 2019 alongside TV presenter Karim Zeroual. In May 2023, at the age of 32, Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Amy’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of early detection, inspiring countless individuals facing similar battles.

Photo from instagram page.

How Did Amy Dowden Get Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?

Amy Dowden discovered her breast cancer just before her honeymoon in April 2023 through self-examination. She noticed a lump in her breast and initially decided to monitor it. However, while applying lotion daily during her honeymoon, she realized the lump had not disappeared. This led her to seek medical advice upon returning home, ultimately resulting in her diagnosis of grade III breast cancer.
Amy’s experience highlights the importance of being proactive with self-examinations and seeking medical evaluation when changes are noticed. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, and her case serves as a reminder that routine self-checks can be life-saving.

Symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Amy Dowden did not report any additional symptoms before her diagnosis; the lump she discovered through self-examination was an isolated finding. She had no pain, skin changes, or other warning signs commonly associated with breast cancer. This underscores the fact that many breast cancers, like Amy’s, can be asymptomatic in the early stages. A significant number of breast cancer cases are detected through routine screening or self-examinations rather than because of noticeable symptoms. According to cancer research organizations, some tumors can develop without causing pain, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling, making proactive checks and medical screenings crucial.
Common warning signs can include

• Lump or mass in the breast or underarm: This is often the first sign of breast cancer. The lump may feel hard, have irregular edges, and may not be painful.
• Changes in breast size or shape: A noticeable change in the size, contour, or shape of the breast may occur.
• Skin changes: These include dimpling, redness, or scaling of the breast skin or nipple.
• Nipple abnormalities: Symptoms include discharge (other than breast milk), inversion (nipple turning inward), or pain.
• Swelling: Part or all of the breast may appear swollen, even without a lump.
• Pain in the breast or nipple area: Persistent or unexplained pain in these areas can be a symptom.
• Changes in the appearance of the nipple or breast skin: This may include thickening or changes resembling an orange peel texture (peau d’orange).
• Swelling or lumps under the arm: This could indicate that the lymph nodes are affected.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also result from non-cancerous conditions.

Learn more about Breast cancer, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment with Oncodaily

What Was Amy Dowden’s Initial Reaction to Her Diagnosis?

Amy Dowden was shocked and fearful upon her breast cancer diagnosis. In this interview on Loose Women, admitting, “You just don’t ever think it’s going to happen to you.” Despite her fear, she remained determined to fight. Her mother had also battled breast cancer, and Amy’s was detected through a mammogram. She initially kept the news from her husband, Ben, so they could enjoy their honeymoon, only confiding in her twin sister before undergoing further tests. When she finally told Ben, his positivity helped ease her fear of the biopsy. One of the hardest challenges was planning for children, as her hormone-positive tumor required ovarian function suppression.

“My life stopped in that moment, and the world keeps going without you.”

Throughout her journey, Ben was her rock, ensuring she had everything she needed. “If I mention something once, he’ll buy it,” she shared. Amy’s resilience, coupled with strong family support, kept her hopeful. She remains focused on returning to the dance floor, using her story to emphasize the importance of early detection and a solid support system during tough times.

What Was the Prognosis?

The five-year relative survival rate for stage III breast cancer is approximately 86.1%, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, individual prognoses can vary based on factors like overall health, tumor characteristics, and response to treatment.

What Treatments Did Amy Dowden Undergo?

Following her diagnosis of an aggressive form of breast cancer, Amy Dowden faced a challenging treatment journey. Determined to fight the disease, she underwent extensive medical interventions, including surgery and chemotherapy, each presenting its own physical and emotional hurdles.

Mastectomy and Chemotherapy

After discovering a lump just before her honeymoon, Amy initially considered a lumpectomy. However, further tests revealed additional tumors, leading to the decision for a mastectomy to remove the entire breast. This approach aimed to eliminate all cancerous tissue effectively. Following surgery, chemotherapy was recommended to target any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Amy described chemotherapy as “brutal,” acknowledging the severe toll it took on her body. Despite its challenges, she remained committed to completing the treatment in hopes of achieving the best possible outcome.

Complications During Treatment

Amy’s journey was not without complications. After her first chemotherapy session, she developed sepsis due to leukopenia—a dangerously low white blood cell count—making her highly vulnerable to infection. The condition quickly became life-threatening, requiring immediate hospitalization. Doctors suspected a blood clot in her lung, and although the sepsis initially responded to antibiotics, it later stopped improving.

Doctors suspected a blood clot in her lung. At one point, she went 14 hours without passing urine, a sign of how severely her body was struggling. Medical experts note that chemotherapy weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections like sepsis. Despite these frightening setbacks, Amy’s resilience remained strong. Her determination to push through treatment, combined with unwavering support from her loved ones, has made her an inspiration to many.

How Did Amy Dowden Overcome Breast Cancer?

Amy Dowden has faced her breast cancer diagnosis with remarkable mental and physical resilience, drawing strength from her unwavering positivity and the support of her family, friends, and the Strictly community.

Support from Family and Friends

Central to Amy’s journey has been the steadfast support of her husband, Ben Jones. The couple, both professional dancers, married in 2022. Ben’s unwavering presence has been a pillar of strength for Amy during her treatment. Reflecting on his support, Amy shared:

“Ben has been my rock through this. His positivity and encouragement have kept me going on the toughest days”.

She highlighted the significant role of her friend Jenny, who had previously gone through breast cancer and chemotherapy. Jenny played a crucial part in Amy’s journey, offering reassurance and encouragement. On Amy’s first day of chemotherapy, Jenny pushed her through the doors, reminding her that recovery was possible by pointing to her own experience two years later, showing her regrown hair as a symbol of hope.
Beyond her immediate family, Amy’s friends and the Strictly Come Dancing community have rallied around her. Their collective support has provided Amy with additional strength and motivation throughout her treatment.

Mental and Emotional Challenges

Facing a cancer diagnosis brought significant emotional hurdles for Amy, including anxiety and fear. She has been candid about these struggles, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies such a diagnosis. To cope, Amy has employed various strategies, including mindfulness practices and maintaining a focus on her passion for dance.

How Did Advocacy and Public Awareness Help?

Amy Dowden has used her platform to raise breast cancer awareness through media, public speaking, and social media. She has also become an advocate for cancer awareness, using her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges. Amy’s openness about her journey has resonated with many, offering hope and encouragement to those in similar situations.

Public Speaking and Advocacy Efforts

In August 2024, Amy shared her journey in the BBC documentary “Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.” The hour-long film provided an intimate look into her battle with stage three breast cancer, detailing her experiences with a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatments, and a sepsis diagnosis. The documentary received widespread acclaim, with viewers praising Amy’s courage and transparency. Dancing in the Rain is an inspiring memoir by Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden, published in 2024, where she shares her journey from growing up in the Welsh Valleys to achieving her dreams on prime-time television. She candidly discusses her battles with Crohn’s disease and her recent fight against stage 3 breast cancer, highlighting her unbreakable spirit and passion for dance.

Amy has actively participated in public speaking engagements to promote breast cancer awareness. Notably, she delivered an inspirational speech to students in Birmingham, sharing insights from her health journey and emphasizing the importance of resilience. Amy’s openness has had a profound impact, inspiring many to prioritize their health and seek early detection. Fans have lauded her as an “inspiration,” acknowledging the strength she has demonstrated throughout her journey.

What Is Amy Dowden’s Life Like After Breast Cancer?

Amy Dowden’s post-cancer journey has been defined by resilience, a return to dance, and ongoing advocacy. In September 2024, she made an emotional comeback to Strictly Come Dancing, performing a special dance that symbolized her strength. Grateful for the support of colleagues and fans, she shared
“They struggled just as much as I did, having to watch me go through it.”

Continued Advocacy Work

Returning to Strictly required Amy to balance her career with her health. Cancer shifted her perspective, making her prioritize her well-being while continuing her passion for dance. Amy remains a strong voice for cancer awareness, partnering with organizations like CoppaFeel! and using her platform to promote early detection and regular screenings.

Ongoing Health Challenges

Post-treatment, Amy has faced both physical and emotional challenges. She has been candid about the long-term effects of chemotherapy and surgery, including fatigue and the psychological impact of her cancer journey. To maintain her health, Amy focuses on a balanced lifestyle, integrating rest, nutrition, and mental health support into her routine.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is influenced by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Each of these elements plays a role in increasing the likelihood of developing the disease, though genetic factors are more difficult to modify compared to lifestyle and environmental risks.

Genetic Factors

Inherited mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are significant contributors to breast cancer risk. These genes normally help repair damaged DNA, but mutations can lead to abnormal cell growth, increasing the risk. Women with a family history of breast cancer, especially if a close relative was diagnosed at a young age, face a higher risk. Other genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Cowden syndrome, also predispose individuals to breast cancer​.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Lifestyle choices can have a profound impact on breast cancer risk. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and breastfeeding can lower risk. Conversely, obesity, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption are linked to higher incidence rates. Additionally, diet, especially a diet high in saturated fats, may contribute to the risk​.
Research continues to explore the role of environmental exposures in breast cancer development. Factors such as prolonged exposure to certain chemicals (like pesticides or solvents), radiation, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (found in plastics) are emerging areas of concern. However, evidence linking these factors to breast cancer remains inconclusive, largely due to the complexity of environmental exposures​.

Read more about Radiotherapy For Breast Cancer: Types, Success Rate, Side Effects on OncoDaily.

How Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

Breast cancer prevention involves a combination of regular screenings, lifestyle modifications, and dietary choices. Amy Dowden’s experience underscores the importance of proactive health measures.

Regular Screenings

Early detection through screenings is key. The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises that women start annual mammograms at age 40 to detect breast cancer early, especially for those at higher risk. Regular screening allows for the identification of potential issues before symptoms appear, which can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment​.

Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, especially post-menopause, as excess fat tissue increases estrogen levels, which can promote cancer growth. Regular physical activity also plays a protective role by helping to maintain healthy weight levels and reducing estrogen exposure​. Limiting alcohol consumption is another important step, as studies have shown a clear link between alcohol intake and an increased risk of breast cancer​.

Dietary Recommendations

A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods can lower breast cancer risk. The ACS suggests incorporating high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which help regulate estrogen levels. Eating antioxidant-rich foods and foods high in vitamins like D and C may also offer protection. Additionally, research indicates that vitamin D, particularly at higher levels, might lower breast cancer risk.

Regular intake of healthy fats, such as those from nuts and seeds, and avoiding trans fats, is also encouraged. By combining these preventive measures, women can significantly reduce their breast cancer risk, though it’s important to remember that these steps do not guarantee prevention. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers remain essential. For more details on breast cancer prevention, the American Cancer Society’s guidelines are a valuable resource​.

How should breast self-examination be performed?

National Breast Cancer Foundation performs a breast self-exam involving three simple steps that should be done regularly to detect any unusual changes.

• In the Shower: Use the pads of your three middle fingers to feel your entire breast and armpit area, applying light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts for lumps, thickening, or hardened knots.
• In Front of a Mirror: With arms at your sides, inspect your breasts for changes in shape, contour, or skin texture, such as dimpling or swelling. Then, place your hands on your hips, press firmly to flex your chest muscles, and look for any abnormalities, keeping in mind that slight asymmetry is normal.
• Lying Down: Lie flat with a pillow under one shoulder and your arm behind your head. Use your opposite hand to feel your breast and armpit in circular motions, applying different pressure levels. Check for lumps or nipple discharge, then repeat on the other side.

Learn the technique of self-examination with Dr. Tasha  

How Often Should a Breast Self-Exam Be Performed?

Women who are still menstruating should perform a breast self-exam a few days after their period ends. Post-menopausal women should choose a fixed date each month, like the 1st or 15th, to conduct their exam.

Written by Mariam Khachatryan, MD