Singer Jessie J has revealed she has been diagnosed with “early breast cancer” - prompting an outpouring of support from celebrity friends.
The Price Tag singer said she plans on undergoing surgery following her performance at this month’s Summertime Ball.
The 37-year-old revealed the news in an Instagram video, saying she has spent much of her recent time “in and out of tests”.
See also: What are the early signs of breast cancer?
“I was diagnosed with early breast cancer,” she said. “Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding on to the word ‘early’.
“It’s a very dramatic way to get a boob job. 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.”
Jessie, whose full name is Jessica Cornish, said she announced her diagnosis publicly to help her process the news, and to show solidarity with others who are going through a similar experience.
“I just wanted to be open and share it, ” she said.
“One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard.
“I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I’m an open book.
“It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse—that’s the bit that kills me.”
She continued: “The timing of it has been mad but also beautiful and given me this incredible perspective in this time.
“But honestly I need to process it and talk about it and, I need a hug. You have loved me through all my good and hard times. And I don’t want this to be any different.”
Jessie welcomed her son, Sky Safir Cornish Colman, in 2023, with her partner Chanan Safir Colman, having miscarried in November 2021.
She has battled with ill health throughout her life, having been diagnosed with a heart condition aged eight, suffering a minor stroke aged 18 and having briefly gone deaf in 2020.
Jessie is scheduled to perform at Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium on Sunday June 15.
Her announcement on Instagram has been met with an outpouring of support for the star.
Singer Rita Ora wrote: “Your 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. X”
TV presenter Gaby Roslin, who has for years campaigned to raise awareness of bowel cancer after watching her father battle the disease, wrote: “Sending you so much love and enormous hugs.”
News of her diagnosis come after she recently declared “this is my f**king moment” regarding her comeback to music.
In April, the artist, who rose to fame with hits like Price Tag and Domino, performed at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho, marking the start of her long-awaited return in which The Standard was in attendance.
“It’s about me,” she joked mid-performance. “I’ve done this too long, I’ve been signed to too many record labels, I’ve had way too many managers to just be low-key about it now. This is my f**king moment and it’s not about you.”
Reflecting on the road that brought her here, Jessie opened up about the highs and lows of the last few years — including a devastating miscarriage in 2021 and the joy of welcoming her first child, son Sky, in 2023.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to even be here, to still have the excitement and joy that I’ve felt from people wanting to hear from me again,” she said. “I’m so proud of this album. I feel like it’s finally f**king clicked… I truly feel like I’ve gone back to 2010 but 2.0, y’know?”
