Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden Opens Up About Challenges of Motherhood Post-Cancer Treatment
Welsh professional dancer Amy Dowden from Caerphilly has recently shared her thoughts on the topic of motherhood following her battle with cancer treatment. Having discovered a lump in her breast in April 2023 before her honeymoon with husband Ben Jones, Amy proceeded to undergo a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey to overcome the illness has been a public one, with Amy openly discussing the impact it has had on various aspects of her life.
In February 2024, Amy received the news that there was “no evidence of disease” after undergoing tests to monitor her progress post-treatment. Despite her positive outcome, the dancer continues to grapple with the effects of chemotherapy on her fertility. Taking to her Instagram on April 16, 2025, she engaged with fans through an interactive Q&A session, where the topic of motherhood was brought up.
When prompted about her plans to become a mother, Amy addressed the issue of fertility post-cancer treatment candidly. She shared the challenges she faced, emphasizing that chemotherapy can have severe effects on a woman’s ability to conceive due to potential damage to eggs and ovaries. Amy revealed that following her cancer diagnosis in 2023, she and her husband took proactive steps by freezing five embryos, cognizant of the impact her treatment might have on her fertility.
Furthermore, Amy disclosed that her cancer type, classified as “hormone-fed cancer,” necessitated careful consideration of her reproductive options. Cancer treatments such as hormone therapy and chemotherapy can trigger early menopause, affecting fertility. She expressed her surprise at the complexity of discussions around fertility preservation that arose alongside her cancer diagnosis and treatment, shedding light on the unforeseen challenges she encountered during this period.
As Amy recounted her medical journey, she highlighted the whirlwind of emotions and decisions she faced, from undergoing a mastectomy to swiftly proceeding to egg retrieval. Her consultant advised against immediate family planning due to the heightened risk of cancer recurrence post-treatment, urging her to wait for two years before exploring the possibility of starting a family. The uncertainty surrounding her future fertility and the potential obstacles she may encounter underscored the intricate considerations individuals post-cancer treatment face.
Despite the uncertainties, Amy remains hopeful about the prospect of motherhood, emphasizing her desire to experience the joys of parenthood with her husband. With five frozen embryos as a potential option, she acknowledged the alternative routes they could explore to fulfill their dreams of starting a family. Her openness about the challenges and complexities of navigating fertility post-cancer treatment serves as a beacon of support for others grappling with similar circumstances.
As she continues to progress on her journey post-cancer treatment, Amy’s resilience and determination shine through, inspiring others to confront challenges with courage and optimism. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness and understanding surrounding fertility issues post-illness, fostering compassion and empathy in conversations around motherhood. Amy’s unwavering spirit and honesty pave the way for meaningful discussions around fertility, offering solace to those traversing similar paths.
Amy’s return to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing last year, though brief due to a foot injury, symbolized her resilience and passion for her craft. As she gears up for the upcoming series alongside esteemed colleagues, her commitment to her artistry and advocacy for fertility awareness continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Amy’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of sharing one’s story with courage and vulnerability.