BBC Strictly's Amy Dowden shares cancer update and asks fans an urgent question
Amy Dowden was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has since fought for greater awareness of the disease
Amy Dowden has opened up about her gruelling cancer battle a year after receiving the all-clear. The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 34, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, undergoing a mastectomy and intense chemotherapy treatment.
Documenting her journey on social media, a health check eventually revealed 'no evidence of the disease' in February 2024. Yet, the Welsh dancer's fight for breast cancer awareness continues regardless, as she frequently shares candid updates with fans.
Yesterday, Amy took to Instagram, sharing a past snap of herself in the hospital getting a scan done. She said: "Just seen pic in an article online. This was my scan, nearly a year ago.
"I'm smiling there (inside I was [nervous] but gosh have I come such a long way since. It's the first of the month!" Amy then took the opportunity to ask her followers one crucial question regarding their own health.
"When was the last time you checked yourself?", she asked. "I'm going to share the resources/next story! If you're not checking, who is?" Resources from CoppaFeel! urge individuals to frequently observe and feel their breasts to watch out for any unusual changes.
Lumps, swelling and abnormal differences in breast shape or size are among the red flags to look for, in addition to the following:
Nipple discharge (if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
Lumps or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
Change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts, or either side of your chest – it's common for breasts to be different sizes, but check for any changes that are not normal for you
Sores or ulcers on your chest
Change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (it may look like orange peel) or redness, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
Change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (it may look like eczema
Guidance from the NHS also adds: "Checking your breasts or chest regularly helps you learn what looks and feels normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes that could be a sign of a condition such as breast cancer.
"You should try to check your breasts or chest about once a month." Amy's health alert comes just days after the NHS appealed to individuals aged 50 to 71, urging them to get a mammogram.
Women are generally invited to these breast cancer screenings every three years up until the age of 71. Members of the trans community, including trans men, trans women, and non-binary people, are also in line to be routinely contacted for screenings, although some might need to initiate contact with their GP first.
During the check-up, a female specialist will conduct four breast X-rays. Each appointment normally lasts just 30 minutes. NHS England further explains: "For every 100 people who have breast screening, four will need further tests.
"This does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Most people who need further tests do not have breast cancer. You will be invited for a breast assessment appointment.
"If you're worried or have any questions, you can speak to a breast screening nurse over the phone before your appointment. Your invitation for further tests will tell you how to contact them.
"...The specialist team will tell you when and how you will get your results, depending on which tests were done."
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm. They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about. Call: 0808 808 00 00
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