Amy Dowden, professional dancer known for her role on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has reflected on her life three years after undergoing breast cancer surgery. The 35-year-old Welsh dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy, which resulted in an early menopause due to her hormone-sensitive cancer.

In a recent social media post, Dowden shared her evolving perspective on life, emphasizing gratitude and resilience. She recounted the challenges she faced at the time of her surgery, including the fear of treatment and the impact of forced menopause. “I know how lucky I am, and I never lose sight of that,” she wrote. “Every day is a gift, and I’m determined to make the most of it.” Sharing images from a recent holiday, Dowden highlighted how her outlook has transformed over the past three years, noting her appreciation for the “little things I once took for granted.”

Dowden first joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, partnering with celebrities such as comedian Brian Conley and musician Tom Fletcher. She returned to the show in 2025 alongside Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, though they were the first couple eliminated that season.

In addition to her dancing career, Dowden has become a dance competition judge across the UK. She described the Strictly judging panel—Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—as “perfect,” and expressed an interest in joining the panel herself in the future. “I judge a lot of competitions around the country now and know what it means and how hard you’ve worked to get onto that dancefloor,” she said. “I take the job so seriously and try to make the right decisions so I can go to bed and sleep at night.”

Dowden’s journey highlights both the personal and professional challenges she has faced and the resilience she has shown in response to her cancer diagnosis and treatment.