Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden, 35, has announced she will undergo a second mastectomy this week—a decision she says is not due to a new cancer diagnosis, but part of her ongoing journey of recovery and prevention after her well-publicized battle with breast cancer. The news, shared via an Instagram video on Monday, November 3, 2025, has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, fellow dancers, and the wider British public, many of whom have followed Dowden's health journey with both concern and admiration.
"Hey everyone, as you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive," Dowden began in her Instagram update, as reported by BBC and HELLO!. "So I’d like to start by being clear that what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis. However, following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week. They’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery."
Dowden’s candor is nothing new. Since her initial diagnosis in May 2023, which came after she discovered a lump the day before departing on her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones, the Welsh performer has documented her experience with breast cancer—and her ongoing battle with Crohn’s disease—on social media and in BBC documentaries. Her openness has not only provided comfort to others facing similar struggles but has also helped raise awareness for both conditions, a contribution recognized earlier this year when she was awarded an MBE for her fundraising and advocacy work.
Her first mastectomy and chemotherapy in 2023 forced her to step back from Strictly Come Dancing, a show she has graced since 2017. As Digital Spy and Times of India detailed, Dowden was unable to compete with a celebrity partner that season, but she remained a visible and vocal presence online, sharing updates and encouraging others to monitor their own health. In February 2024, Dowden received the welcome news that there was "no evidence of disease" at her latest check-up, though doctors advised she would need to continue treatment for five years as a precaution.
Dowden’s decision to undergo another mastectomy was not made lightly. In a recent appearance on The Dr Hilary Show podcast, she described her relief at being in remission and the anxiety of additional biopsies and "scares with specks on the breast, on my other breast which has not been pleasant." With a family history of breast cancer—her mother was diagnosed in her 50s—Dowden said, "Big decisions need to be made now, in the future. I'm in very, very good hands and I'm so lucky with the NHS."
Her most recent surgery, she emphasized repeatedly, is a preventive measure. "The surgery is not for a new cancer diagnosis but a precautionary step following medical advice," she wrote, echoing statements reported across BBC, HELLO!, and Times of India. Dowden assured her followers, "Once I have healed, I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family. Of course I’m going to miss not being there so much, but I will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on. Thank you always for all the support."
Dowden’s journey has been marked by resilience. After her initial treatment, she made a triumphant return to the Strictly stage, first dancing with former JLS star JB Gill and then, in the most recent season, partnering with former Apprentice contestant and social media personality Thomas Skinner. Although she was eliminated in week two, her participation was widely celebrated as a symbol of perseverance and hope. As BBC noted, Dowden’s health struggles have also been depicted in documentaries such as Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me and Strictly Amy: Crohn's And Me, further cementing her role as a champion for raising awareness of chronic illness.
The outpouring of support for Dowden on social media has been overwhelming. Fellow Strictly professionals, including Karen Hauer, Janette Manrara, and Dianne Buswell, as well as judge Motsi Mabuse, sent their well-wishes. "Wishing you all the love, prayers, and positive energy, Amy! You're deeply missed, and we're looking forward to your wonderful return!" Mabuse wrote, as reported by Digital Spy. Fans echoed these sentiments, with messages of encouragement flooding her Instagram comments.
Dowden’s advocacy extends beyond the dancefloor. In 2023, she participated in the CoppaTrek! 100 km fundraising walk led by Giovanna Fletcher to raise breast health awareness—a trek that, in a twist of fate, played a crucial role in her own diagnosis. "This last year, obviously, I made a conscious effort to check my breasts," she told HELLO!. "CoppaFeel! has now potentially saved my life, because I don't know how long this lump could have been there before I would have noticed and done something about it. So me speaking out might end up saving some other people's lives because they start checking their breasts."
Dowden’s story is also one of navigating multiple health challenges. Alongside her cancer battle, she has lived with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, for much of her adult life. Her willingness to speak publicly about both illnesses, and her efforts to raise funds and awareness, have made her a role model for many facing adversity.
Her MBE, awarded earlier this year, was a testament to her impact. As BBC and Times of India reported, the honor recognized her "services to fundraising and raising awareness of the inflammatory bowel disease." This recognition, along with her return to the dancefloor, has offered moments of celebration amid the challenges of illness and recovery.
For now, Dowden will be watching Strictly Come Dancing from home, cheering on her colleagues and offering support from afar. She remains optimistic about her recovery and eager to return to the show once healed. In her own words, "Once I have healed, I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family." Her journey, marked by candor, courage, and compassion, continues to inspire—and her story is far from over.
As the dancefloor awaits her return, Amy Dowden’s resilience and openness serve as a reminder of the strength found in community, advocacy, and the unwavering hope for better days ahead.
