Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has released the latest health update following her cancer diagnosis.
In May last year, Dowden publicly revealed she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32.
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The Strictly professional, who joined the long-running dance competition series in 2017, later revealed another type of cancer had been found elsewhere in her body which meant she was having to undergo chemotherapy.
After doctors discovered other tumours in her body, Amy explained her journey 'changed' in an Instagram Live chat with breast cancer survivor and Paralympic gold medalist Erin Kennedy for the cancer charity CoppaFeel! in July 2023.
The dancer was 'originally going to have a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment', but was then told she would need a mastectomy as well as chemotherapy.
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Amy continued: "So, all of a sudden, then I realised, and you get scared, but the oncologist did say that with chemo I've got a really good chance of a cure.
"I was really scared and I didn't want to do chemo but then seeing someone like yourself [Erin] who's carried on and for me straight away it was my dancing, like, you can take away my boob but you can't take my dancing away from me and that's what I get really upset about."
And the dancer has since released another update with fans and followers.
Taking to Instagram earlier today (23 February), Amy shared a photograph of herself smiling with her hands in the air.
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The post reads: "NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE! Words I dreamed of! My biggest accomplishment yet! I won’t be getting the all clear for five 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!"
The dancer explains she will 'still need a monthly injection for five years and regular check ups' and she'll be taking 'the next few months to heal and recover' given the 'toll' chemo and the 'past year' has taken on her body.
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However, she resolves: "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."
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If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/ @amy_dowden/ BBCTopics: Celebrity, Health, ITV, Instagram, Strictly Come Dancing, TV And Film, Social media