Singer Jessie J has spoken about how her breast cancer diagnosis has changed her outlook on life, describing the shock of being told she had high-grade cancer cells just as she was preparing to release her first album in eight years. The 36-year-old, real name Jessica Cornish, discovered a lump before a Bafta appearance in March and underwent a mastectomy in July.
“It has made me live life more,” she said in an interview, reflecting on the fragility of life. The diagnosis came days after her birthday, and she initially dismissed it as inconvenient timing. “I can’t die because my son needs me,” she recalled thinking.
Cornish, who has been open about her struggles with endometriosis, miscarriage, and mental health, said the surgery was terrifying but she was lucky to avoid chemotherapy and radiotherapy. “Cancer sucks, man, but you know what? Thank fuck I found it early,” she said.
The singer, who released the single 'No Secrets' before going public with her diagnosis, has had to cancel tour dates while awaiting reconstructive surgery. She described her current appearance as “a grapefruit under a tight bedsheet” but added she kept her nipple.
Despite the ordeal, Cornish remains positive and is even planning a stand-up comedy debut next year. “I love making people laugh,” she said.
