Strictly's Amy Dowden shares update from monthly cancer appointment after plea to fans

Professional dancer Amy Dowden has shared an update from her monthly oncology appointment this week. It comes amid the Strictly Come Dancing star, who has been paired with Thomas Skinner this year, urged fans to "be kind".

Amy, now 35, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and, after having treatment, she announced last year that there was "no evidence of disease". She also shared at the time that she would need an injection each month for another five years alongside regular check-ups.

Following the BBC show's first live show of the new series on the weekend, Amy revealed this morning that she was at her latest appointment. She shared a message on Instagram over a selfie of herself at a hospital in Birmingham.

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Amy wrote in the post today: "It's that time again. Monthly [crutch emoji] on the oncology unit then straight back for training. Week 2 and I can't wait." She added: "Monday reminders, grateful, happy, alive and always be kind."

The update comes just a day after she had already called on her followers to "choose to be kind, always". The messages come amid her partnership with former the Apprentice star Thomas, 34, who has proved to be a controversial signing for Strictly.

Amy's post yesterday included a clip from her documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, released last year. It showed her addressing criticism on social media following her diagnosis, with her sharing that she had been accused of being an "attention seeker" and "narcissist" by some trolls.

Alongside the footage, Amy wrote in the post this week: "As we step into a new week, let's choose to be kind, always. (clip from my BBC documentary). I was raised to treat others the way I'd want to be treated, and to never judge a book by its cover.

"We never really know what someone else is going through. But what I do know is how upsetting it can be to be on the receiving end of negative comments."

She added: "I'm using my platform to hopefully help spread the right messages. Words matter! Online and offline. A cruel comment might take seconds to type, but its impact can last much longer.

"I remember a coach once telling me, it's like a nail hammered into wood, even if you remove it, the mark will always be there.

"There are so many young people online today please be the kind of role models they need. Let's be the reason someone smiles, not struggles. Also I can't believe it's two years exact today I was sat in the hospital bed showing these messages to my lovely nurse. Welsh love always #bekind."

Amy's post was met with support on the platform this week, with fellow pros Carlos Gu and Dianne Buswell, as well as Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse, among those who have liked it. Thomas replied to the post: "You are an amazing person."

Fans also expressed their support in the comments section after Amy shared the post that included the clip from her documentary. One wrote to her: "You have helped so many people sharing your story. I think you are amazing."

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000. If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.

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