Shirley Ballas reveals breast cancer scare as she shares health update and credits Amy Dowden for reminding her to get her mammogram
Shirley Ballas has opened up about her recent cancer scare after having her routine mammogram.
The Strictly Chief Judge, 63, took to Instagram to tell fans that she is awaiting biopsy results after the procedure.
The dancer emphasized the importance of not missing your mammogram or getting checked if you find a lump, while crediting Amy Dowden for reminding her how important it is to get tested.
Sharing a selfie showing the bandage after the biopsy, she wrote: ‘All women are urged not to miss your mammogram.
‘I went for mine and eventually a second one and a biopsy. Local anesthetic biopsy done. Now waiting for results.’
Shirley Ballas revealed her breast cancer scare as she shared a health update on her Instagram on Wednesday
The dancer emphasized the importance of not missing your mammogram, as she credited Amy Dowden for reminding her how important it is to get tested
Shirley also mentioned Amy, who shared the news in February that she is cancer-free after being diagnosed with grade III breast cancer in May 2023.
She added: “Amy Dowden, you went through my mind. The importance of not putting it off. Go and get tested. Plus regular self-breast checks.’
In response to Shirley’s mention, Amy said, “Always here for you! Important message here everyone from @shirleyballas’.
Amy has vowed to return to Strictly almost a year after she was diagnosed with grade III breast cancer – the second highest grade.
The Welsh dancer has undergone a mastectomy and chemotherapy and will require monthly injections for the next five years.
She said: ‘I’m working very, very hard and getting my body back with rehab and physio. I have a brilliant team, so fingers crossed I’ll be dancing on your screens again later this year.”
Amy vowed: ‘If Strictly wants me back, I’ll be back’ and confirmed: ‘The aim and dream is to be back on the dance floor too. “Because I missed it so much.”
On the programme, Amy talked about life after cancer and urged people to volunteer with cancer charities.’
I was in the oncology department yesterday and got my monthly injection that I will need for five years. But I’m so grateful to have another chance at life.”
Sharing a selfie showing the bandage after the biopsy, she wrote: ‘Insisting that all women don’t miss your mammogram’
In response to Shirley’s mention, Amy said, “Always here for you! Important message here everyone from @shirleyballas’
Amy told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday that she is returning to Strictly Come Dancing almost a year after she was diagnosed with grade III breast cancer.
She added: “I have wonderful friends and family, the oncology unit, the nurses, the breast nurses, and also the public support is incredible.
Amy continued, “Unfortunately, one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime. But charities such as Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Young Lives vs Cancer, Breast Cancer UK. Without volunteers they would not exist.
‘Volunteers are the backbone, the heartbeat of all these charities. They help fund research, the reason I’m still alive.
‘Not only those who experience it, but also their families. As a volunteer you also get so much pride. It helps your mental health, there are so many benefits to it.”