Jessie J Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis: “I’m Holding On to the Word Early”
Pop star opens up about early-stage breast cancer, upcoming surgery, and why she chose to go public: “I just wanted to be open and share it.
British pop star Jessie J has revealed that she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, opening up about her health in a heartfelt and unfiltered video message shared with her fans on Instagram.
The 37-year-old singer, whose real name is Jessica Ellen Cornish, said she will be undergoing surgery in the coming weeks but emphasized that doctors caught the cancer early—something she’s clinging to amid an undoubtedly emotional and life-altering moment.
“I was diagnosed with early breast cancer,” she said in the video, which was posted on Wednesday. “I’m highlighting the word early. Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding on to the word early.”
Wearing a hoodie and speaking directly to her audience in a raw, intimate moment, the “Price Tag” singer admitted that she’s been “in and out of tests” and has been grappling with the emotional weight of the diagnosis while still trying to push forward with work commitments. She’s set to perform at the Capital Summertime Ball on June 15—a commitment she plans to fulfill before temporarily stepping away from the spotlight.
“I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery,” she said, before lightening the mood with her trademark humor. “And I will come back with massive tits and more music.”
Though she initially wrestled with whether to go public with the diagnosis, Jessie said she ultimately chose openness—not only as a way to process her experience but to connect with others going through similar battles.
“I just wanted to be open and share it,” she explained. “One, because selfishly I do not talk about it enough—I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard. And two, because I know how much sharing in the past has helped me. The love and support from people and their own stories mean the world to me.”
Her vulnerability was met with an outpouring of love online. In the caption accompanying the video, she confessed that the diagnosis has given her “the most incredible perspective,” but didn’t shy away from the emotional toll: “Your girl needs a hug.”
Fans and fellow artists have since rallied around her, offering messages of support and strength. Many commended her for her honesty and courage—a hallmark of Jessie J's career, both in music and in life.
This isn’t the first time Jessie has spoken publicly about her health struggles. In 2021, she shared her heartbreaking experience of pregnancy loss, a revelation that also drew empathy from around the world. Since then, she’s become a mother to a 2-year-old son, whom she shares with basketball player Chanan Colman.
Her willingness to speak candidly about topics often wrapped in stigma—miscarriage, illness, vulnerability—has made her more than just a powerhouse vocalist; she’s become a voice for resilience.
According to the World Health Organization, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 2022, with 670,000 deaths attributed to the disease. Experts stress that early detection, as in Jessie’s case, is crucial: It significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
As Jessie prepares to undergo surgery, she’s made it clear that her story is still unfolding—with new music on the horizon and a determination to fight that remains unshaken. For fans, her message is more than just a health update—it’s a reminder to take life seriously, live openly, and hold on to hope, even in its most challenging forms.