Global pop star Jessie J has showcased her formidable strength and physique in a powerful new cover shoot for Women's Health UK, using the platform to speak candidly about her recent breast cancer journey.
A Diagnosis and a Defiant Performance
The Price Tag singer, 37, was diagnosed with early breast cancer earlier this year and underwent surgery to remove a lump from her right breast in June. In a remarkably frank interview for the magazine's January/February issue, Jessie revealed she chose to postpone that crucial surgery for a poignant reason: to perform at Capital's Summertime Ball.
"I p***** off a lot of people by postponing my surgery to do that show," she admitted. "But I knew doing the show was going to impact me personally, as Jessica." She described the emotional weight of the performance, where 80,000 fans cheered in a show of collective support. "It was: we love you, we're behind you and we hope this goes well," she recalled.
Her defiant message is clear: "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."
Changing the Narrative and Facing the Future
Jessie J is determined to reshape how people perceive a cancer diagnosis. She expressed a desire not to have to "deal with it privately and come back and pretend everything is great." Despite the challenges, including the recent postponement of a second surgery and the cancellation of her tour, her resilience shines through. "Nothing has broken me," she stated firmly, believing her experiences are meant to help others.
The singer also reached out to presenter Davina McCall after her own breast cancer revelation this year, advising her to "create the bubble that you need to survive." While acknowledging her luck in finding the cancer early and that it was non-invasive, Jessie J confronted the ongoing reality with sobering honesty, admitting there is a chance her cancer could return.
A Triumphant Return to the Stage
Her journey back to performing has been emotional and deliberate. In September, just 11 weeks after her surgery, she took to the stage at BBC Radio 2 In The Park in Chelmsford, Essex. An emotional Jessie told the crowd, "I'm just so grateful to be here, you have no idea how grateful I am." The performance marked a significant milestone in her recovery.
The stunning Women's Health photoshoot visually underscores her physical and mental fortitude. Images show the Bang Bang hitmaker in a sports bra and leggings, a burgundy bodysuit, and a gold velvet Adidas tracksuit, radiating strength and confidence.
Jessie J's full, revealing interview is available in the new issue of Women’s Health UK, which hits newsstands on 23 December.
