Strictly’s Amy Dowden reveals decision to undergo preventative mastectomy after pre-cancerous cells detected

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden appearing on ITV’s Lorraine

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has opened up about her decision to undergo a preventative mastectomy on her left breast, in an emotional and exclusive interview on Lorraine.

The dancer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, previously underwent a single mastectomy, chemotherapy and later entered remission.

However, after pre-cancerous cells were discovered during a recent mammogram, the star has opted to take decisive action in hopes of preventing the disease from returning.

ITV’s Lorraine will follow Amy’s recovery throughout December, including her hopes of making a return to the ballroom for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

‘It really, really isn’t done and dusted’ — Amy shares the emotional reality of cancer recovery

Amy with her surgeon ahead of mastectomy surgery in November

Reflecting on the moment she learned she would need further surgery, Amy told Lorraine:

“I think the shocking thing for me with a cancer diagnosis was I thought that once I’d rang that bell, it was going to be all done and dusted. But it really, really isn’t.”

She explained that despite finishing active chemotherapy two years ago, her latest scan brought fresh concerns.

“In the following year, unfortunately with my mammogram, it picked up specs on my other breast. Although they came back as pre-cancerous cells and specs, it’s still always been in the back of my mind.”

Amy revealed that finding additional tumours during her initial surgery strongly influenced her decision:

“I think something else that always has worried me is we knew I had a tumour in my right breast and we knew I had ductal cancer. But when they went in to operate, they found two other tumours for me, [that’s helping me make] a decision to take my left breast off.”

She added:

“This is preventative. I’m young. I want children. I would do anything to just have my old life back and not be going through this. I certainly don’t want to have surgery again. But what I do know is I can’t go through another cancer diagnosis again.”

Emotional decision supported by husband Ben

Amy during her cancer treatment in 2023

Amy and her husband Ben spent time exploring every option before she underwent the preventative surgery in November.

Speaking ahead of the operation, she admitted the emotional toll had been significant:

“I’m feeling obviously nervous, anxious, but I just want to get it done now… I got rid of all my mastectomy stuff only in the summer because I thought, I’m never going to need this again. And here we are again.”

She continued:

“People say to me, oh, you’re so strong. You’re so brave. But you have no choice, do you? Um. And I think I’m just ultimately right now making the right decision for me.”

‘The universe is telling me something’ — Why Amy believes now is the right time

The beloved dancer, who was eliminated in the first week of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing alongside partner Tom Skinner, believes timing played a role in her decision.

“I’ve been eliminated from Strictly and I do feel like the universe is telling me something. And you know what? Going to bed every night with peace of mind, I think will mean more than anything to me.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Amy remains hopeful about returning to the show she loves:

“I would really love to be back dancing, a little bit, in the Strictly final”.

Viewers can follow Amy’s recovery journey throughout December on Lorraine.

Watch Lorraine weekdays from 9am on ITV1, ITVX, STV & STV Player.