By Lucy Caulkett-
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden(pictured) has said she is “forever grateful” to those who saved and supported her through breast cancer.
She marked World Cancer Day on Wednesday with an emotional video on Instagram which included clips of her being treated in hospital, losing her hair, and returning to the Strictly dancefloor.
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She delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude and a powerful call for awareness, reflecting on her own battle with breast cancer and the people who helped her through it.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional, — diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 — took to Instagram on 4 February, World Cancer Day, to share an emotional video documenting her treatment journey.
The 35-year-old Welsh star, who has been open about her health challenges, included footage of chemotherapy sessions, hair loss, and her return to the Strictly dancefloor.
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In her message, Dowden honoured those who have supported her — from medical professionals to charities and loved ones — and spotlighted the wider community of people affected by cancer:
“Supporting those living with cancer, those supporting their loved ones affected by cancer, admiring the survivors, honouring those we have lost, and never, ever GIVING UP.”
She urged people to stay vigilant about their health, reminding followers to check for changes in their bodies and consult their GP if anything feels unusual — a vital public health note aligned with World Cancer Day’s mission to promote early detection and awareness.
Dowden expressed deep gratitude, saying she feels “forever grateful to the doctors, nurses, paramedics, NHS, researchers, volunteers, charities and all those individuals who have helped and supported me.”
She reflected that although her life will never be the same, the experience has made her stronger and more determined, and she singled out the inspiring words of late cancer campaigner Nicky Newman, urging others to “go grab life.”
With more than 727,000 followers on Instagram, the Strictly star has pledged to use her platform “for the rest of my life” to advocate for cancer awareness and support — turning personal struggle into public purpose.
Despite undergoing two mastectomies and treatment that sidelined her from parts of Strictly, Dowden has since returned to the show, crediting dance and community support with helping her through some of the darkest moments of her journey
She said: “Supporting those living with cancer, those supporting their loved one’s affected by cancer, admiring the survivors, honoring those we have lost, and never, ever GIVING UP.
“Please check yourself and if you notice any changes with your body or how you feel please book an apt with your GP!
“Forever grateful to the Drs, nurses, paramedics, NHS, researchers, volunteers, charities and to all those individuals who have helped and supported me!”
She went on to describe how she felt after receiving her diagnosis, and that her life would “never be the same”.
She continued: “I’m so grateful to those above who saved me, made me stronger and even more determined!”
Amy Dowden a the Pride of Britain Awards in October (Ian West/PA)
Dowden celebrated how far she has come and her determination to keep pushing herself to be the best version she can be.
She also referred to the late cancer campaigner Nicky Newman, who positively urged people to “go grab life”.
Dowden added: “Welsh love to all those affected by cancer especially those finding today tough!”
Dowden missed out on a celebrity partner on Strictly in 2023 amid her treatment but has since returned to the BBC One dancing show.
She praised the show for getting her through the “darkest of times” and being a form of escapism for others who are also struggling.
We at The Eye Of Media hear you Amy, and appreciate your big hearty support too. You are a shining star.
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