Strictly's Amy Dowden battles breast cancer in secret

Diagnosis and decision to keep it from her husband

Professional ballroom dancer and Strictly star Amy Dowden has revealed that she kept her breast cancer diagnosis a secret from her husband, Benjamin Jones. The 33-year-old was diagnosed with grade three cancer in May after finding a lump on her breast. She was then diagnosed with cancer for the second time in July.

A heartbreaking choice

In an interview with Loose Women, Amy shared that she discovered the lump the day before her honeymoon but chose not to tell her husband to avoid causing unnecessary concern. She explained that she had only recently started checking her breasts and credited her involvement with the charity CoppaFeel and her friendship with the Fletcher family, who welcomed her into their lives during her time on Strictly Come Dancing, for raising her awareness about breast cancer.

Saving her own life

Amy's involvement with CoppaFeel and the Fletchers' support ultimately saved her life. While on a trek with Giovanna Fletcher and other breast cancer survivors, she realized the importance of checking herself and decided to take action. She said, "So potentially CoppaFeel and the Fletchers, and Strictly partnering me with the Fletchers, has now saved my life."

The decision not to share

Amy explained that she didn't tell her husband about her diagnosis before their honeymoon because she didn't want to ruin the trip. She said, "He wouldn't have gone on the honeymoon, I really wanted this honeymoon break and what could we have done? And I didn't want to worry anybody until we knew."

Fighting spirit

Amy is currently undergoing treatment and was unable to compete in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. However, she showed her fighting spirit by attending an event bald, wearing a beautiful pink silk dress.

Amy Dowden is a professional ballroom dancer known for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing.