In 2023, Amy Dowden was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she has since fought to raise more awareness of the condition.
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, leading to a mastectomy and intense chemotherapy treatment.
A health check that was documented on social media ultimately revealed that there was “no evidence of the disease” in February 2024. However, the Welsh dancer’s campaign against breast cancer is still on, as she frequently communicates with fans in private.
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, but I’m so embarrassed that I’ve been so long since. The first day of a month! Then Amy used the opportunity to ask her followers a crucial health question.
“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 regularly observe and feel their breasts to watch out for any unusual changes.
In addition to the following, red flags are raised by abnormal changes in breast shape or size, such as swelling, swelling, and:
- If you’re not pregnant or nursing, your nipple may have blood in it.
- Your breast, chest, or armpit may have swelling or bumps.
- Changes to one or both of your breasts, or to either side of your chest (it’s common for breasts to be different sizes), but check for any changes that are not unusual for you.
- Your chest may have ulcers or sores.
- On black or brown skin, changes to the skin of your breasts, such as redness or dimpling (it might look like orange peel), may be more difficult to discern.
- Changes to your nipple’s shape or appearance, such as turning inward (inverted nipple) or developing a rash (it might appear as 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.
“About once a month, you should try to check your breasts or chest.” The NHS issued a health alert to people between the ages of 50 and 71, urging them to get a mammogram, just days after Amy’s health alert was issued.
Women are typically invited to these breast cancer screenings from the age of 71 up until the third of the year. Trans men, trans women, and non-binary people are among the population who are frequently contacted for screenings, though some may need to get in touch 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.
You may not necessarily have breast cancer because of this. The majority of those who require additional testing do not have breast cancer. A breast assessment appointment will be arranged for you.
You can speak with a breast screening nurse over the phone before your appointment if you have any concerns or questions. You’ll be able to contact them with the information provided in your invitation for further tests.
“… Depending on the type of tests taken, the expert team will inform you when and how you will receive your results.
Source: Mirror
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