01 March 2024 , 11:18
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Amy Dowden today recalled how she discovered she had cancer again while making her new BBC show.
The Strictly Come Dancing, who last month shared the amazing news that there is now no longer any evidence of the disease in her body, announced her breast cancer diagnosis to fans in May last year.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast today [1st March], Amy revealed that she found her second cancer lump while filming her new dance programme. She told Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt how filming stopped when she found another lump in her breast.
"So I found the lump when I started filming and so I was just waiting for the results.", Amy recalled as she sat on the BBC Breakfast sofa this morning. "But I'd met all these incredible contributors, they'd all agreed to take on the challenge."
The Welsh dancer, 33, continued: "And in the back of my mind was, 'What am I going to do if it is cancer? and I was unfortunately diagnosed. But the production team, Jackie, Jack, Tom, all worked so hard to make it still happen. And I also didn't want to take this amazing opportunity from these amazing people."
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Presenter Naga then told the star: "You could have made it about you, and you could have made it your story alongside theirs but there's no mention of it." Amy admitted she didn't want her cancer to change the stars' time on the show. She added: "I didn't want cancer to affect them and their journey because this is a celebration of them.
"So yeah, we worked really hard and we managed to do quite a bit of filming before my operation. Then I called upon my Strictly family to help whilst I was recovering from my mastectomy. And then we managed to get it all filmed before I started chemo[therapy] and it was exactly what I needed."
Amy went on to say how she can't wait for her new show to hit TV screens, gushing: "I just can't wait for everybody to see the show. They'll all fall in love with each of the contributors and every episode is so different because we're going on their personal journey. I'm so excited."
Amy Dowden discovered she had cancer while filming her new BBC show (BBC)After talking about the tough parts of making the show, Amy shared good news about her health. She said, "So my last MRI showed no evidence of disease which is the best I could have hoped for. I won't get the all clear for five years especially because I've got a hormone-fed cancer, but it's the best I could have hoped for. I'm smiling, I've got a spring in my step."
The Strictly dancer added while her body is currently cancer-free, she will require treatment once a month for the next five years to prevent any return of the disease. She continued: "I will need treatment once a month for five years which is normal because I need to shut down all my hormones so it doesn't feed the cancer. But I'm delighted, life resumes for me."
Writing on Instagram on 23rd February, Amy first broke the news of her positive cancer update. She told her followers: "NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE! Words I dreamed of! My biggest accomplishment yet! I won't be getting the all-clear for 5 years especially with a hormone fed cancer. But it was all worth it. Words I never thought I'd hear at one point."
"So grateful for all the care I received and continue to have. To my husband, family and friends who supported me unconditionally and to you guys! Thank you! I will still need a monthly injection for 5 years and regular check ups. Chemo and this past year has certainly took its toll on my body both physically and mentally, so I'll be taking the next few months to heal and recover."
The inspiring star added: "I have so much to strive and live for, and so grateful for another chance at life! Something I know not all get. I certainly see life differently and my life has changed forever! Cancer affects too many so I will continue to do all I can to raise awareness and make sure I get as many as I can to #checkthemselves.
"It's time to look ahead after what's been the toughest year, and one I certainly didn't expect! Dance floor I’m coming for you! Welsh love, always Amy x." The brave star then included the hashtags: "#ididit #breastcanceryoung #mybiggestaccomplishment #breastcancer #mycancerjourney #checkyourchest #grateful #gograblife #raisingawareness #chemo #roadtorecovery #dreamingofdancingagain."
Amy Dowden's Dare to Dance makes its exciting return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday, March 1, at 7pm.
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*If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.