Amy Dowden's perspective on life has totally changed since she was forced to have her breast removed in 2023 and sharing some happy holiday shots, she says every day is a 'gift'13:25, 30 Jun 2026Updated 13:26, 30 Jun 2026Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden says her cancer fight has given her a brand new way of looking at her life as she marked an important milestone‌The professional dancer's world totally changed back in 2023 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but following chemotherapy treatment and a mastectomy, she announced her remission the subsequent February.‌It is three years since the star had to have her breast removed, which forced an early menopause. The 35-year-old has been very open about her health battle and told fans her perspective on life has 'completely changed' after experiencing the fight with cancer and fertility treatment in her early 30s.‌Sharing photos of herself soaking up the sun on her holiday, she wrote: "Three years ago today, I had just recently just my breast removed and was currently undergoing fertility treatment before starting chemotherapy."I was terrified, not only of the treatment itself, but of being thrown into a forced menopause because my cancer is hormone-fed. Fast forward exactly three years, and my perspective on life has completely changed. I live each day to the fullest, with so much gratitude for the little things I once took for granted.‌"I know how lucky I am, and I never lose sight of that. Every day is a gift, and I’m determined to make the most of it. Here’s to resilience, hope, and celebrating every milestone."She used the hashtags #BreastCancerSurvivor #CancerJourney #Gratitude #Livelifetothefull #grateful.‌The Welsh dancer has graced the BBC programme since 2017, guiding numerous celebrities including Brian Conley and Tom Fletcher through their dance journeys.Amy recently shared that she feels more prepared than ever to make her comeback to the ballroom floor this year.‌Having conquered these health obstacles, she triumphantly returned to the ballroom last year partnered with Thomas Skinner but the duo became the first couple eliminated from the competition.Speaking to Best Magazine, she remarked: "At the moment the judging panel [Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke] is perfect and I love them deeply. But obviously nothing lasts forever and in the future, I would love to see myself on there."She explained she becomes "a very different person" in a judging capacity, noting: "I judge a lot of competitions around the country now and climbing the ranks and knowing what it means and how hard you've worked to get on to that dance floor.‌"I take the job so seriously and try to make the right decisions so I can go to bed and sleep at night, knowing I made the right choice! People would see a very different Amy," she added.Elaborating on her suitability for the position, Amy explained: "I've got a great understanding of hard times, with all the health battles I've been through to being a female on the show, growing up in our country and seeing what Strictly is to the British public."Yet whatever role she may serve in going forward, Amy emphasised her unwavering commitment to remaining part of the Strictly family.Article continues belowLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.