Strictly’s Amy Dowden left ‘distraught’ over hair loss amid cancer battle

Lisa McLoughlin 12 September 2023
The Weekender

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Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has revealed she’s been left “distraught” over losing her hair amid her cancer treatment.

In May, the professional dancer announced she had been diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer and has shared her treatment journey on social media to raise awareness.

Previously, Dowden shared on Instagram how she was rushed to hospital following her first round of chemotherapy after she had developed sepsis and suffered three blood clots as a result.

The Welsh dancer then said of her most recent treatment that she “just had the usual side effects from chemo”, which included sickness, fatigue, mouth ulcers and hair loss.

Now in a new Instagram Story, the 33-year-old said her third round of chemo had been the “best one so far” but she has struggled with losing her hair.

While covering her hair with a bright scarf, she shared a lengthy video update: “I can’t now leave the house without something on the top of my head because unfortunately, [I’m] quite bald on top.”

The BBC star explained that she had received “so many messages” asking how she’s coping with her hair loss and admitted that it’s been “really, really hard” for her.

The dancer also shared that she was left “distraught” seeing how much of her hair was falling out that she has enlisted her husband Ben Jones’ help to start brushing it for her so that she doesn’t have to physically see what’s coming out.

She continued: “That for me is helping me big time because if I took my scarf off, you’ll see there’s hardly any left but it’s okay.

“Because I keep telling myself like Tom Hanks says, ‘this too shall pass.’”

The Strictly pro added that while some have been encouraging her to shave her head, she doesn’t feel ready to do so.

Showing her support for others in the same situation, she said: “Everybody is on their own journey and no one should be judged for it. They should be supported.”

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breat Cancer Now via their website breastcancernow.org or call its free helpline on 0808 800 6000.

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