‘I need a hug’ – Singer Jessie J says she has breast cancer
3 min read
Jessie J opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis and upcoming surgery: "I need a hug."
British pop singer Jessie J has revealed she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The 37-year-old artist shared the emotional news with fans via Instagram, where she posted a heartfelt video explaining her current health journey and the impact it’s having on her life.
The Price Tag hitmaker, known for her powerful vocals and emotional openness, said she had been undergoing medical tests recently and received the diagnosis earlier this year. While she acknowledged how difficult the news was, Jessie expressed gratitude that the cancer was caught early.
“Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding on to the word ‘early’,” she said in her video message. “It’s a very dramatic way to get a boob job,” she added light-heartedly, attempting to balance the gravity of the news with a bit of humour.
Jessie J plans to perform at Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium later this month and then take a step back from public life to undergo surgery. “I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive tits and more music,” she said with her signature wit.
Beyond informing her fans, Jessie said going public about her diagnosis was also a way for her to begin processing it. “I just wanted to be open and share it. One, because selfishly I do not talk about it enough. I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard,” she admitted. “I need to process it and talk about it, and I need a hug.”
Jessie acknowledged that many people are going through similar or worse experiences, and it “breaks her heart” that cancer continues to affect so many lives. She thanked her followers for standing by her through both the highs and lows of her career and personal life, stating, “You have loved me through all my good and hard times. And I don’t want this to be any different.”
Her announcement triggered a wave of support from fans and celebrities alike. Radio and TV host Gaby Roslin offered “so much love and enormous hugs,” while fellow pop star Rita Ora wrote: “You’re literally my favourite person and I’m praying for you, you’ve got this. My mother had it, and I know the surgery and any treatment on this matter is mentally tough so I’m here for you.”
Other public figures including Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Leona Lewis, Marvin and Rochelle Humes, Paloma Faith, and Wretch 32 also posted supportive messages.
Singer Jessie J
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the UK. According to the NHS, early detection can significantly improve outcomes, which is why regular self-checks and awareness of changes in the breast are vital.
Jessie J has never shied away from speaking about her health. She was diagnosed with a heart condition as a child, suffered a stroke at 18, and experienced temporary hearing loss in 2020 due to Meniere’s disease. In 2023, she also shared her diagnoses of ADHD and OCD. Despite these challenges, Jessie has continued to perform, release music, and remain open about her experiences.
She also recently gave birth to her son and explained to BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills that she turned down a major Broadway role as Sally Bowles in Cabaret to focus on her new role as a mother. “My son was too young and I just couldn’t,” she said, though she expressed pride in having earned the part through a competitive audition process.
Jessie J’s strength, candour, and humour continue to resonate with fans around the world, and many are sending love and support as she takes time off to recover. Her story serves as both a sobering reminder of how widespread cancer is and a message of hope for early detection and treatment.
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