Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared a plea with her social media followers after attending a hospital appointment.
The 35-year-old dancer, who had to pull out of the 2023 series of the BBC favourite as she underwent breast cancer treatment, urged fans to think about their own health.
After the tough ordeal of being diagnosed with cancer and missing out on her beloved Strictly, Mrs Dowden was told in February last year she had “no evidence of disease”.
She returned to the competition series later in 2024 but sadly had to pull out due to health issues.
The choreographer has been candid with fans and explained recently that she should have taken more time to fully recover from her ordeal.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Mrs Dowden shared how an update from the hospital she underwent treatment caused her heart to sink.
Posting a video from her car, she stated: “Good morning all. I wanted to just come on my stories and firstly just say hello, but I have just literally finished my appointment and as always, it’s so lovely to see the wonderful Sheldon unit.
“As I always say, they are real life superheroes. Everybody is who works on that department.
“I went in and I asked how it’s been in there and they all said that it’s been ridiculously busy.
“And my heart just sank for them because that means that more people are needing treatment and more people are being diagnosed with cancer.
“My heart… just absolutely sank. It had me feeling low but then I realised just how important it is to raise awareness and to share my story.”
She went on to issue a warning, explaining: “And to remember that if you’re not checking yourself, who is? And early diagnosis can save lives.”
She continued: “Please, please, make sure you’re looking after yourself and you know your own body better than anyone else does.
“If you feel different or like something is not right, please get it checked out by a GP. I am just in awe of all the people that work on that unit, they work so, so, hard.”
The update comes after Mrs Dowden shared another recent post in which she reflected on her diagnosis.
Sharing she had enjoyed some time away with twin sister Becky, the dancer wrote: “Some much-needed twin time.
“We had the perfect little escape – full of sunshine, sangria, beach days, rooftop swims, incredible food, and most importantly, proper quality time together.”
The post went on: “After my cancer diagnosis, I promised my family (and myself) that I’d take more downtime.
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“I used to live life at 100mph, saying yes to everything and everyone. But cancer shifts your perspective.
“This year I’ve been incredibly lucky with new job opportunities which have been full on but so rewarding and I can’t wait to share all to you very soon. So having time to slow down isn’t just okay – it’s essential.
“These past few days have been the perfect reset and I’m heading into the new season feeling recharged, happy, stronger, and HEALTHIER than ever.”
