Strictly's Amy Dowden chokes back tears as she makes life-changing decision about health

Amy Dowden, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, was moved to tears during her recent BBC documentary as she faced a life-altering decision about her future. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Amy underwent an immediate mastectomy followed by chemotherapy treatment.

In 2023, Amy was living her dream as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. She had recently married the love of her life and was looking forward to starting a family.

However, after discovering a lump in her breast the night before her honeymoon, Amy's world was turned upside down when subsequent tests revealed she had breast cancer at just 32 years old.

Just six days after her diagnosis, Amy, originally from Caerphilly in South Wales, bravely decided to allow cameras to document her journey, regardless of what the upcoming months might bring.

Initially, Amy tried to preserve her hair using a cold cap, but after it caused nausea and headaches, she opted for standalone chemo - resulting in hair loss. Despite battling cancer and its treatment, Amy was dealt another blow when doctors informed her that chemotherapy could affect her fertility.

Before her diagnosis, Amy admitted that she and her husband were ready to start a family. Therefore, learning that the treatment could impact her chances of having children presented Amy with a difficult decision to make, according to Express.

The couple was at a crossroads, seeking advice on their options. After much consideration, Amy made the difficult decision to undergo fertility treatment in order to safeguard her eggs before commencing chemotherapy, knowing it would involve daily hormone injections.

Amy became teary-eyed in her documentary 'Amy Dowden: Fight of My Life', which is set to air next Monday, as she explored her fertility options before cancer treatment.

She recalled a crucial conversation with her physician: "I just said, 'What about starting a family as this is something Ben and I were about to begin' and he said to me, 'Because chemo destroys your eggs, there's a possibility it might cause fertility issues'."

Facing the dual challenges of her diagnosis and potential infertility, Amy choked back tears as she explained: "That's two big blows, you have got the blow of cancer and then the fertility issue."

Her partner added his perspective to the emotional situation: "Amy really wants children and she was actually ready for them now. Obviously, I want to have kids as well so it is difficult."

Amy later revealed her relief after learning that, following a tense wait, five of her eggs were successfully frozen.

During an exclusive tell-all with Express.co.uk and other members of the press, Amy set to make her comeback on Strictly this year, provided an emotional update on her struggle with fertility.

She shared: "I only finished chemo in November so my body is still on quite a bit recovery journey. Ideally, I'd still need to have my monthly injections for five years, so I have been put into menopause, but my oncologist with review it in a few years."

Adding to the gravity of her situation, she disclosed: "But obviously, when you're pregnant, more hormones are produced, meaning that the risk of the cancer returning is at a higher risk. It is not something that the oncologist or anyone would recommend right now."

Amy Dowden: Fight of My Life airs on Monday at 8pm on BBC One.