Pop star Jessie J, known offstage as Jessica Cornish, has revealed she is battling early-stage breast cancer at the age of 37. The singer, who recently returned to the music scene, shared the news in an emotional Instagram video on June 4, 2025, opening up about her diagnosis and upcoming surgery plans. With a candid and heartfelt message, Jessie J has not only brought attention to her personal health journey but also highlighted the importance of awareness around breast cancer symptoms and early detection.
Jessie J disclosed that she was diagnosed shortly before the release of her album No Secrets in April 2025. She had been undergoing a series of medical tests, describing the experience as "surreal." Despite the shock of the diagnosis, she expressed optimism, saying, "Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding on to the word 'early.'" The singer plans to undergo surgery after her scheduled performance at Capital's Summertime Ball at London's Wembley Stadium on June 15, 2025.
Choosing to share her diagnosis publicly, Jessie J explained, "One [reason] is 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." She spoke movingly about the emotional toll of the disease, adding, "It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse — that's the bit that kills me." Her openness has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities alike, including messages from Rochelle Humes, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and rapper Wretch 32.
Jessie J's health journey is notable given her history of medical challenges. She was diagnosed with a heart condition at eight years old, suffered a minor stroke at 18, and experienced brief deafness in 2020. In 2023, she welcomed her son, Sky Safir Cornish Colman, following a miscarriage in 2021. The singer's candidness about her breast cancer diagnosis adds to her long narrative of resilience and strength.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer globally and in the UK, where about one in eight women will be diagnosed during their lifetime. Despite its prevalence, public awareness about the early signs of breast cancer is surprisingly low. A 2019 Avon study revealed that less than half of women surveyed felt confident identifying changes in their breasts, and only two percent could name ten common symptoms. Furthermore, 60 percent of women admitted they would hesitate to seek medical advice due to embarrassment or fear.
Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing a broad range of symptoms beyond just lumps. Key early signs include lumps or swelling in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge (especially if bloodstained or from one breast), skin dimpling or redness, rashes around the nipple, and crusting or itching skin. The NHS advises women to be vigilant for these symptoms and to consult a GP promptly if they notice anything unusual.
Most breast lumps are benign, but doctors urge particular attention to lumps that are painless, hard, and irregularly shaped. Swollen or hard lymph glands in the armpit may indicate cancer spread, which is one of the first sites the disease can affect beyond the breast. Dimpling of the skin, often compared to the texture of orange peel, can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer—a rare but aggressive form of the disease.
Jessie J’s decision to go public has also highlighted the importance of regular self-examination. The NHS and cancer charities recommend monthly breast checks, which can be done in the shower, lying down, or in front of a mirror. Women should feel their breasts and armpits in circular motions and semi-circles to detect any abnormalities. Checking up to the collarbone and under the armpits is crucial since breast tissue extends to these areas.
Women aged 50 to 70 are routinely invited for mammograms every three years as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme, which has significantly improved early detection and survival rates. Survival statistics from Cancer Research UK show that nearly 100 percent of women diagnosed at stage 1 survive for five years or more, with survival rates decreasing at later stages but still showing considerable improvement due to advances in treatment.
Risk factors for breast cancer vary and include genetic components like BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, hormonal influences such as early menstruation or late menopause, lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking, and previous radiation therapy to the chest. While the exact causes remain unclear, awareness and proactive health monitoring remain vital tools in early diagnosis and successful treatment.
Jessie J's message resonates beyond her personal story, serving as a powerful reminder of the necessity for awareness, early detection, and support for those affected by breast cancer. Her bravery in sharing this chapter of her life encourages others to stay alert to symptoms and seek medical advice without delay.
As she prepares for surgery and recovery, Jessie J promises to return to music, bringing her characteristic humor and resilience. “I’ll come back with massive t*ts and more music,” she joked, underscoring her determination to face this challenge head-on while maintaining her spirit.
Ultimately, Jessie J’s revelation is a call to action for everyone to understand breast cancer’s signs, maintain regular self-checks, and support those navigating the disease’s difficult path. Her story adds a deeply human face to the statistics and highlights the ongoing fight against one of the world's most common cancers.
