Pop star Jessie J shared worrying health news late on Tuesday (June 3) evening as she announced she has been diagnosed with “early” breast cancer.
The Price Tag singer, 37, told fans she found out about her diagnosis in April as her single No Secrets was released.
“Cancer sucks in any form but I’m holding onto the word early,” Jessie added in an Instagram post.
However, while the mum-of-one is bravely staying positive about her condition, it isn’t the first time Jessie – also known for her TV role as a coach on The Voice – has faced health challenges.
Jessie J’s health challenges – stroke at 17
Hitmaker Jessie was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome as a child. It is a rare heart condition which causes an irregular heartbeat – and can leave a patient feeling dizzy and short of breath.
It also caused her to previously suffer a minor stroke when she was 17. Jessie inherited the condition, with her dad also suffering with it.
She’s previously reflected: “You know, the weirdest thing is that being that sick made me Jessie J. I started writing songs because that was my get out of feeling unwell and down.”
However, Jessie has admitted she has had to “manage my life in a certain way”.
“Sometimes I’m not [fine], but there’s loads of people who aren’t. I’m fine. I’m very proud of myself. I’ve done a lot more than I thought I could,” she is quoted as saying.
She also previously told Australian news outlet 9Now she was encouraged in her health battle to ‘be strong’.
“I think my mum and dad never allowed me to be defined by something that was a weakness. Ever since I was young it was like: ‘Just get on with it. You can do this,'” Jessie said.
However, Jessie also recalls being ill after she was diagnosed aged eight.
I remember collapsing a lot and having seizures.
She noted: “I remember collapsing a lot and having seizures. I was a sickly, skinny girl who had a slight green tinge to her skin because of the drugs and who was always in and out of hospital.
“There would be times when I’d be acting normal and then I’d just collapse. It was only then that people would realise I wasn’t well. I suppose I was good at covering it up and I know I’m very good at that now.”
View this post on Instagram
Meniere’s disease
In December 2020, Jessie was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, a chronic inner ear disorder. It was also linked to throat symptoms she endured in following months, leaving her in agony.
She shared on social media in 2021: “Six months in and I still cannot get through a full day without pain in my mid neck / throat.”
Additionally, Jessie shared how her condition was recognised after she ‘woke up deaf’.
She told followers during an Instagram live session: “I woke up and felt like I was completely deaf in my right ear, couldn’t walk in a straight line.”
Jessie went on: “I know that a lot of people suffer from it and I’ve actually had a lot of people reach out to me and give me great advice, so I’ve just been laying low in silence. Now’s the first time I’ve been able to sing and bear it. I’m super grateful for my health. It just threw me off.”
Fertility issues and miscarriage
Jessie had shared with fans how she’d been told around 2014 that she couldn’t “ever have children”.
The brave star insisted she didn’t need sympathy, noting she is one among millions who has endured similar struggles.
“If you’ve ever experienced anything with this or have seen somebody else go through it or have lost a child, then please know you’re not alone in your pain and I’m thinking of you when I sing this song,” she said during a 2018 gig in London.
Jessie added: “It’s hard not to feel alone when dealing with fertility issues, but knowing that someone else has faced the same challenges can be a source of comfort.”
Back in 2019, she opened up about her continued hopes to have a child, despite being told she wouldn’t conceive naturally. And she suffered an agonising miscarriage in November 2021, having been told she had adenomyosis.
But in June 2023, Jessie and partner Chanan Safir Colman welcomed son Sky Safir Cornish Colman into the world.
“A week ago my whole life changed. My son entered this world and my heart grew twice the size,” she told Insta followers as she announced the birth.
ADHD and OCD
Last summer, Jessie revealed she had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) earlier in the year.
She admitted finding out had made her “re-think” her life. But Jessie also said that having ADHD felt like “a superpower as long as you look at it from the right perspective”.
She also said being a mum had “exposed” the conditions more.
Jessie also reflected: “I’m hugging 11-year-old me. Who would clean her trainers with a toothbrush when she was stressed and to this day has lived with a 1,000 lists to not feel like life will crumble. Here’s to getting to know yourself even more through life. And loving yourself all the way.”
Serious foot injury
In 2011, Jessie had to make use a wheelchair after she suffered a serious foot injury through falling off stage while rehearsing for a gig. She later performed her Glastonbury set that year while sitting on a throne.
She later revealed in 2o13: “I’ve had a bone transplant, a fusion, a metal plate. Four bolts put into my foot. That accident almost cost me the ability to walk.”
Read more: Jessie J shares ‘beautiful’ picture of her baby boy as she reveals his unusual name
What do you think of this Jessie J health story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.