10 August 2023 , 11:25
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Strictly professional Amy Dowden has paid tribute to her twin sister on their birthday - but admitted that she hadn't been looking forward to the day.
The 33-year-old dancer, who revealed that she had been diagnosed with another type of cancer in July following her type three breast cancer diagnosis in May, said that any milestone is a "bigger reminder and it hurts".
She had been determined to get herself on the Strictly dance floor earlier this year, but after her operation she confirmed that she would miss out on being paired with a celebrity on Strictly this year. In the heartbreaking post on Instagram on Thursday, Amy said that she was sad as it would usually be the time she would begin rehearsals on the BBC show.
Sharing a photo of herself on Instagram with her sister and symptoms to look out for in detecting breast cancer, she wrote: "Happy birthday to my beautiful, kind, talented twin! @becky_dowden. Hope your day is as lovely as you and for sure next year we are making up for it! Love you bex and thank you for everything you always do for me.
Amy Dowden shared a post on her birthday (Instagram./ @amy_dowden)
She shared a guide to breast cancer symptoms (Instagram./ @amy_dowden)"I wasn’t looking forward to this birthday. At the moment any milestone or event is a bigger reminder and hurts. Im far from what I should and normally doing, in the rehearsal room with my strictly family. But all your wishes this morning have certainly cheered me up. This year my birthday wish is for all to take the time to check themselves! @coppafeelpeople have so many useful resources ! Doesn’t take long! That’s my birthday wish! Thank you so much again for all the love and support it really does help and mean so much to me. Welsh love Amy x #checkyourlemons."
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Fans rushed to the comments to wish her a happy birthday, with one writing: "Happy Birthday to the both of you. Amy stay positive and be strong when you can and you’ll smash this. From someone who was in the same position as you and now I’m a 15 yr survivor! xx." While another commented: "You deserve every compliment Amy. You are such a lovely woman! Make the best of it and do not forget you are loved by many unknown supportive souls."
Charity Coppafeel! - who aim to raise awareness of breast cancer - also commented and wrote: "Sending you both lots of love today. Boob HQ can’t thank you enough for supporting our mission to ensure everyone checks their chest! Hope you enjoy your day."
It comes after Amy, who has since had a single mastectomy, said last month that she isn't 'looking forward to' gaining 'another scar' as she opened up ahead of her procedure.
Taking to her Instagram Stories to share an update with her 434,000 followers, she didn't reveal what her upcoming procedure was. In the snap, she wore a hospital gown as she took a mirror selfie. She had her hair tied up in a bun and wore a face mask as she shared her fears in the caption. "Really not looking forward to this!," Amy wrote.
"Another scar this one only an inch long but will always remind me and will always be visible," the star said. Amy later shared a screenshot of a DM she received in response to her post. "You've got this. Not a scar but a warrior stripe," the fan said in a sweet message.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.