Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 32.
The professional dancer, who joined the popular BBC show in 2017, received the shock diagnosis last week. She does not yet know if she will be able to re-join Strictly this autumn, the Mirror reports.
Stage three breast cancer, the final stage behind the most severe, Stage 4, means the disease has spread to lymph nodes close to the breast, to the skin of the breast or to the chest wall.
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More than 70% will survive Stage 3 cancer for five years or more after diagnosis.
Amy, from Caerphilly in South Wales, has previously spoken of the heartbreak of watching her mother suffer cancer at a young age. The dancer said: "My Mum had thyroid cancer and breast cancer when I was younger, and it was tough to watch her go through it.
“It’s important to remember the effect cancer has on the whole family – it can be just as difficult watching your loved one go through it, and that can take a toll on everyone’s health.”
Last June she joined I'm A Celebrity winner Giovanna Fletcher on a charity hike in Pembrokeshire for CoppaFeel, a charity that encourages people to check their breasts and supports people with breast cancer.
Amy partnered Giovanna’s husband McFly frontman Tom Fletcher during the 2021 series of Strictly.
During the hike Amy posted: "Would love any donation possible towards this fantastic charity which is very close to my heart after watching my mum and close friend battle with breast cancer."
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