Amy Dowden has said she is “working hard” to get her body ready for a return to Strictly Come Dancing following her battle with breast cancer.
The professional dancer, 33, first found a lump in her breast the day before going to the Maldives on her honeymoon with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones.
She was subsequently diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and had a mastectomy before undergoing chemotherapy, which she has now finished.
She told BBC Breakfast: “I can’t believe it’s a year since I found the lump. But I’m just so grateful in the year for the treatment I’ve had, the NHS, and all the charities, everybody that’s helped me to be still here today.”
She added: “I was actually at the oncology unit yesterday, having my monthly injection, which I will need for five years.
“But I’m just so grateful to get another shot at life. but I never thought in a million years at 32, that I’d be diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I was living my life to the full on Strictly Come Dancing, I’d just got married, but cancer doesn’t discriminate.”
Dowden is now supporting The Big Help Out, a campaign to showcase how volunteering benefits both communities and the people who take part, and she said: “Unfortunately one in two of us in our lifetime is diagnosed with cancer but charities like Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Young Lives Vs Cancer, Breast Cancer Now, they wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for volunteers.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of charities that deliver vital services to people affected by cancer. 💚✋
This summer, join #TheBigHelpOut & volunteer in your local area from 7th-9th of June – let us make sure no one has to feel alone.
Download the app 👉 https://t.co/Q0SlW2106e pic.twitter.com/F0REJzt00V
— The Big Help Out (@TheBigHelpOut24) April 16, 2024
“And volunteers are the backbone, the heartbeat to all these charities that help fund research, the reason why I’m still alive today, to help support not just those going through it, but their families as well.
“But as a volunteer you get so much pride as well, it helps your mental health, there’s so many benefits to it.”
Asked what has helped her over the past year, she said: “I’ve got amazing friends and family. The oncology unit, the nurses, the breast nurses, and also the public support has been incredible.
“And I think the goal and the dream to be back on the dance floor as well, because I’ve missed it so, so much.
She added: “I’m working really really hard and getting my body fully back in rehab and physio, I’ve got a brilliant team. So fingers crossed I’ll be back on your screens dancing later this.
“If Strictly will have me back, I’ll be back.”