Jillian Cardarelli's Breast Cancer Diagnosis
- Country singer Jillian Cardarelli, 33, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in May. After undergoing surgery, she is now receiving radiation treatment and has given fans a glimpse into what a typical morning looks like during her cancer journey.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams aimed at a specific area to destroy cancer cells. With breast cancer, it’s often used after surgery to kill off any cancer cells that may remain in the breast, chest wall, or nearby lymph nodes.
- Check out SurvivorNet’s AI-powered tool, My Health Questions, if you’re in need of clear, personalized information when you need it most. Available throughout the SurvivorNet website, this resource can help explain treatment options, clinical trials, possible side effects, insurance questions, and more—putting trusted guidance at your fingertips.
Cardarelli, who is based in Nashville, Tennessee, shared a glimpse into her journey through treatment in a footage shared on Instagram, opening up about the courage it takes to keep moving forward even when fear is present.
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After noting how she was diagnosed with cancer in May, she continued, “So here we are. We’re gonna get checked in, and then we’re gonna go back and get changed into the fabulous hospital gowns and head in for treatment.
“Here is the gentle giant, the radiation machine, and the techs are just so sweet. They’re getting me into position, and every morning they play Elvis for me, which is kind of my good luck charm, you know, hence the song, “Good Luck Charm.” And after treatment, I meet with my radiation oncologist … I truly cannot say enough good things about her and her amazing team. Their care has just been absolutely incredible.”
Expert Resources On Breast Cancer Treatment
- The Debates Around Radiation for Breast Cancer
- Exercise and ‘Chemo Brain’: Can Physical Activity Save Breast Cancer Patients from Brain Fog During Chemotherapy?
- Acupuncture Promising for Pain Relief from Some Breast Cancer Treatment
- An Overview of Breast Cancer Treatment
- Facing Breast Cancer Today, You Have Choices: Making Better-Informed Decisions After Active Treatment
She wrapped up the post-treatment update with a photo of herself and her husband alongside Wally, the Boston Red Sox mascot, sharing that they made sure to stop by and see him after her appointment.
Ahead of starting her radiation treatment, Cardarelli shared a carousel of photos on Instagram, admitting she was “scared” of what was to come.
She explained, “When I first learned of my breast cancer diagnosis, I made myself a promise…if my doctors gave me the green light, I would try to keep living my life as normally as possible. But I’ve learned quickly that ‘normal’ doesn’t really exist anymore, only new ways of moving through each day.
“Tomorrow, I begin radiation treatments at @danafarber & if I’m being honest, I’m scared. But this past week reminded me that even in life’s hardest seasons, joy can still exist.”
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Cardarelli also revealed that, amid everything she has been facing, she was able to release new music and return to the set of the TV series “Crossroad Springs” to wrap filming on Season 2.
She said she is taking her recovery one day at a time while finding strength in her faith.
We’re also delighted to see Cardarelli took some time amid her treatment journey to take a quick getaway to Kennebunkport, Maine. She shared photos of her and her loved ones enjoying beautiful views, a sunset, and dessert.
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Cardarelli’s Breast Cancer Journey
Cardarelli, whose mother has been living with stage 4 breast cancer for 12 years, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in May.
She announced her diagnosis on June 10.
“If breast cancer can happen to an otherwise healthy young woman with no family history of breast cancer, negative genetic testing, and 7 years before routine screening is recommended, it can happen to anyone,” said the “What’s It Gonna Take Singer,” on Instagram, accompanied by a screenshot of an exclusive article by People magazine.
“My hope is that sharing this journey encourages other young women to get familiar with their bodies, trust their instincts, advocate for themselves, and never ignore something if it feels off.”
She shared that, despite how difficult her diagnosis has been, her faith remains strong and unshaken. And although she doesn’t have all the answers yet, she’s choosing to take things day by day, while staying grounded in gratitude.
“I’m incredibly thankful for my husband, family, and friends, who have walked alongside me every step of the way. As for my parents, I hit the parent lottery, to say the least. I also feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by a medical team I trust implicitly,” she concluded.
“You know your body better than anyone. Trust your instincts and remember: you are the CEO of your own health.”
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Cardarelli previously told People that she received her diagnosis of stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma in May.
Recounting what led to her diagnosis, she explained, “I’ve had areas in my breasts that have been diagnosed with dense fibrous tissue since I was 25 years old that I’ve been getting looked at by ultrasound a couple of times, but nothing was ever seen.
“But then, I felt something a little different to me. I knew my body. I was a little more tired.”
In another post, shared on July 26, Cardarelli offered a health updated, informing fans that her surgery “was a success.”
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She said, “We got clean margins, and last week I had a PET scan that came back clear with no evidence of metastatic disease. A true answered prayer. Now, we’re moving forward with the next step in my treatment plan: 19 rounds of radiation.
“Before that begins, I’m grateful to be in Canada filming Season 2 of Crossroad Springs for @greatamericanfamily while I continue healing from surgery.”
“I’ll leave you with this: get familiar with your body. If something feels off, advocate for yourself,” Cardarelli concluded.
Understanding Radiation For Breast Cancer
As for radiation therapy, which Cardarelli is in the midst of, it’s often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast or surrounding tissue.
As Radiation Oncologist Dr. Subhakar Mutyala previously told SurvivorNet, “Radiation therapy is actually ionizing energy, where energy goes through your body, essentially causes DNA damage… The actual treatment is just ionizing energy.”
While radiation is a standard part of care for many, experts continue to debate its scope and necessity. Dr. Chirag Shah of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, who also spoke with SurvivorNet, noted two key controversies: whether to use whole breast versus partial breast radiation, and whether some patients may not need radiation at all.
“The idea is reducing the duration of treatment and reducing side effects for patients,” Dr. Shah said. “Omitting radiation is therefore associated with a lower risk of side effects.”
WATCH: The Debates Around Radiation for Breast Cancer
Radiation Therapy: A Powerful Tool with Long-Term Considerations
Radiation therapy—using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells—is a common follow-up to breast cancer surgery, especially for patients who choose a lumpectomy over a mastectomy. Its goal: reduce the risk of recurrence by targeting any lingering cancer cells in the breast or surrounding tissue.
While effective, radiation can come with side effects, both immediate and delayed. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Scar tissue
- Shortness of breath
One of the more serious concerns involves the heart, which can unintentionally absorb radiation due to its proximity to the breast.
“When the radiation is delivered, unfortunately, the heart happens to be somewhere very near to where they have their breast cancer, and it becomes an innocent bystander absorbing some of the radiation,” explained Dr. Jean-Bernard Durand to SurvivorNet.
This exposure can lead to complications such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and even heart failure—sometimes surfacing decades after treatment.
“We make it a point to see them on a regular basis so that we can catch these things very early and treat them,” Dr. Durand added.
Even advanced techniques like proton therapy, which aim to minimize damage to healthy tissue, aren’t immune to side effects. Fatigue remains a common complaint, and the risk of long-term injury still exists.
“Radiation is a form of energy… and when we give radiation, it has the ability to scatter,” Dr. Durand said. “Even though we may target one particular area, that scattering of energy can cause injury to the local surrounding structures, including the heart.”
Over time, this injury can lead to the development of scar tissue within the heart muscle, its electrical system, and blood supply.
“We believe it is what causes all the injury, that ultimately leads to the symptoms,” he explained.
For survivors, this underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and open conversations with care teams.
Breast Cancer Screenings
As for breast cancer screenings, a mammogram is the primary test doctors use to check for breast cancer. The wide consensus is that women should have regular mammograms beginning in their 40s.
Leading organizations like the American Cancer Society say women should have the option to begin annual screenings between 40 and 45. An independent panel of experts called the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently changed their guidelines to say that women of average risk should begin at 40 and get mammograms every other year.
Dr. Connie Lehman, a diagnostic radiologist who specializes in breast cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, says when you begin mammograms is a decision you should discuss with your doctor, as they can help you understand your specific circumstances and weigh the benefits and potential risks of earlier screening.
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Your mammogram results may lead your doctor to recommend further testing with a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If these tests suggest changes that might be cancer, you’ll need a biopsy a test in which your doctor removes a small sample of tissue and has it checked for cancer in a lab.
Only a biopsy can confirm or rule out whether you have breast cancer.
Although it can be frightening to go through breast cancer testing, SurvivorNet’s doctors say not to fret. It’s possible for a biopsy to find that a lump is benign or not cancerous.
If you do receive a breast cancer diagnosis, you’ll learn what type of breast cancer you have and the stage of the disease. The stage means how far in your body the cancer has spread.
Though most breast cancers are not linked to inherited genetic mutations, knowing whether you have a mutation could affect the type of treatment you get. SurvivorNet experts recommend all women who are diagnosed with breast cancer be given genetic testing.
Based on your test results, preferences, and personal circumstances (such as your age), you and your doctor will make decisions about how to proceed with treatment, which we have plenty of expert resources on.
Understanding Early-Stage Breast Cancer and What Comes Next
Early-stage breast cancer means the tumor is small and hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes. According to Dr. Elizabeth Comen, an Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, the first step is usually surgery to remove the cancer. This may involve a lumpectomy, where only the tumor and surrounding tissue are removed, often followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
However, treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Factors like age, tumor size, family history, and personal preference may influence whether radiation is needed or if a patient chooses a more aggressive approach, such as a mastectomy—removal of the entire breast. After surgery, a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to help determine the next steps in treatment.
WATCH: Understanding Early Stage Breast Cancer
Diagnostic testing plays a critical role in shaping your care plan. If a mammogram or clinical breast exam reveals something abnormal, your care team may recommend:
- Diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound to get a closer look at the breast and nearby lymph nodes
- MRI scans for additional imaging detail
- Biopsy of suspicious areas, including lymph nodes, to confirm cancer
- Tumor marker testing to identify hormone receptors and proteins that influence treatment options
- Additional imaging to check for any signs of metastatic disease
Once all this information is gathered, your cancer is staged—based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and whether it has spread. Staging helps guide treatment decisions, while hormone receptor and protein marker tests reveal how the cancer behaves and which therapies may be most effective.
Your healthcare team will consider all of these factors—alongside your personal health, values, and goals—to create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Contributing: SurvivorNet
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