Singer Jessie J has delivered a powerful and defiant message following her diagnosis with early breast cancer, stating she refuses to "sit down and be quiet and cry" and will instead face her challenge by singing as loudly as she can.
A Defiant Diagnosis and Postponed Surgery
The 37-year-old artist, whose real name is Jessica Cornish, publicly revealed her diagnosis in June and has now opened up in a candid interview with Women's Health UK. She explained that she made the deliberate choice to postpone her first cancer surgery in order to perform at Capital's Summertime Ball in front of 80,000 fans.
"I feel guilty that not everyone who has to have cancer surgery gets that moment," Jessie J said. "There were 80,000 people cheering, not because I could sing well or wore an outfit they liked. It was: we love you, we're behind you and we hope this goes well."
She added: "We're not handcuffed to having to sit down and be quiet and cry because we've got cancer. I'm going to sing Bang Bang as loud as I can." The song, which she originally performed with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, is an anthem of confidence that she now finds deeply personal.
Changing the Narrative and Raising Awareness
The mother-of-one is determined to challenge the typical expectations surrounding a cancer diagnosis. She criticised the idea that people should deal with illness privately and quietly, only returning to public life once treatment is complete.
"That ain't me," she stated firmly, drawing a parallel to performing the day after a miscarriage in November 2021. "I sat on stage and I was grieving – and that was the show."
Her openness is already having a tangible impact. The singer revealed she regularly hears from people who have checked themselves after seeing her speak out, leading to early detection. "They found a lump, and it's cancer, but they've caught it early. I've got goosebumps. So, yeah, I'll keep talking about how important it is," she said.
Tour Postponements and a New Outlook
The practical consequences of her health battle have included significant changes to her professional schedule. After her initial surgery, Jessie J underwent a second operation later in the year. This necessitated the postponement of her UK and Europe tour dates to April 2026 and the cancellation of the US leg entirely.
Despite this, she returned to the stage in September at BBC Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford. In a poignant moment in November, she was seen hugging the Princess of Wales at the Royal Variety Performance, a meeting she described as "mum to mum". Both women have undergone cancer treatment in the public eye.
Jessie J also spoke about reaching out to presenter Davina McCall following her own breast cancer announcement, offering support and advice. Her central message to others facing similar challenges is to create the protective "bubble" they need to survive.
The London-born singer, who welcomed her son Sky Safir Cornish Colman in 2023, has faced numerous health issues throughout her life, including a heart condition, a minor stroke, and temporary deafness. She believes these experiences have forged her resilience.
Her latest album, 'Don’t Tease Me With A Good Time', released on November 28, captures the raw emotions of the past decade. She says cancer has fundamentally altered her perspective, making her a more grateful parent and person who no longer sweats the small stuff.
The singer also praised her partner, Chanan Colman, calling him an "incredible dad" and a vital support in her recovery. The full interview is available in the new issue of Women's Health UK, out December 23.
