At 37, singer Jessie J is navigating more than just the physical realities of breast cancer—she’s confronting the quiet assumptions people make about what it means to be a patient. Since her diagnosis, she’s noticed a shift in how others perceive her capabilities.
Early-stage breast cancer is characterized by a small tumor confined to the breast, with no signs of spread to the lymph nodes, making it highly treatable.
Treatment at this stage often involves surgical removal of the cancer, possibly followed by radiation therapy. Surgery options typically include a lumpectomy, which removes the tumor and surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast, or a mastectomy, which involves full breast removal.
Many women opt for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. This procedure can involve implants made from the patient’s own tissue or saline or silicone materials to restore shape and appearance.
Reconstruction can be performed either immediately after a mastectomy or delayed for several months, depending on personal preference and medical recommendations.
Jessie J, 37, is no stranger to vulnerability. The powerhouse vocalist behind hits like “Price Tag,” “Flashlight,” and “Do It Like a Dude,” has always worn her heart on her sleeve. But since revealing her breast cancer diagnosis in June, she’s noticed something more jarring than the physical toll: the way people around her have started treating her differently.
In a recent Instagram video, Jessie shared her desire to get back into the studio, emphasizing that her diagnosis hasn’t sidelined her creativity.
“I don’t want it to collect dust,” she said, referring to the music she’s eager to record.
Despite undergoing a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, Jessie remains determined to keep moving forward. But she’s also navigating a new emotional terrain—one shaped not just by cancer, but by the reactions of those around her.
“If I didn’t just have breast cancer and didn’t just have surgery, my diary would look really different right now. But it looks different, and I’ve got to go with it and figure out what works now.”
Her words reflect a deeper frustration: the subtle shift in how others perceive her capabilities. Conversations that once centered on collaboration and momentum now come with hesitation, as if her diagnosis has put her life on pause.
“I’m tired of so many conversations that I’m having where everyone’s like, ‘How are we going to do what we were going to do?’ or ‘So, when can we wait for you to be fully capable?’”
“I’m like, well, I am capable—just in a different way. Let’s just work with that instead of bringing everything to a halt and then starting again next year. It just feels so dramatic. In the grand scheme of things, everyone is going through crazy s—t.”
Jessie J pictured on April 08, 2025, in Los Angeles, California (Photo by River Callaway/WWD via Getty Images)
Jessie’s experience echoes a common but rarely discussed reality for cancer patients: the emotional labor of constantly reassuring others that they’re still themselves. That they’re still strong. That they’re still capable.
Understanding the Physical Journey
Jessie’s diagnosis—early-stage breast cancer—typically involves a small tumor with no lymph node involvement. Her treatment included a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, a process many women face with varying options and outcomes.
Dr. Elisa Port, Chief of Breast Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, explains that “Most women do opt to have some reconstruction.”
WATCH: Regaining your sense of self after reconstruction.
Reconstruction can be immediate (during mastectomy) or delayed (months or years later), with techniques ranging from implants to using a woman’s own tissue. While immediate reconstruction often leads to fewer surgeries and better cosmetic results, it may also involve longer recovery and a higher risk of complications.
Jessie J’s story is not just about surviving cancer—it’s about challenging the assumptions that come with it. Her frustrations echo a reality many cancer patients face—but rarely speak about. A diagnosis can shift how others see you, even when your spirit and capabilities remain intact. Yes, cancer changes parts of your life, but it doesn’t erase who you are.
Even the most loving friends and family may struggle to adjust to your “new normal.” They might tread lightly, unsure of what you can handle, unintentionally making you feel like you have something to prove. If you find yourself constantly reassuring others that you’re still capable—just in a different way—it may be time for a gentle, honest conversation.
Let them know what you’re truly feeling. Share any limitations you’re navigating, if there are any, and help them understand how best to support you—not just by working around your treatment schedule or energy level, but by walking beside you.
Helping Patients Cope with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
When pop powerhouse Jessie J revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, she didn’t hide behind headlines—she spoke directly to her fans, with raw honesty.
“Before ‘No Secrets’ came out, I was diagnosed with early breast cancer … Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding onto the word early. I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period. I just wanted to be open and share it,” Jessie said in an Instagram post.
In a follow-up post, she admitted that even as she continued performing and creating, she hadn’t fully processed the emotional weight of her diagnosis.
“One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard. I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support, and also their own stories. I’m an open book.”
That vulnerability extended beyond her own experience. Jessie expressed deep empathy for others facing similar or more severe battles, acknowledging the shared pain that often goes unseen.
“It breaks my heart that other people are going through so much similar, and worse. That’s the bit that kills me.”
Even in the midst of physical discomfort, Jessie’s commitment to her craft—and her fans—never wavered. She posted a clip from a recent performance, revealing that she had undergone five breast biopsies the night before taking the stage.
“I was in some discomfort, but so hyped to do it, and I didn’t want to cancel. The more I watch this show back, I can see my brain working in complete overdrive, trying not to blurt it all out.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: EDITORIAL USE ONLY: Jessie J attends The BRIT Awards 2023 at The O2 Arena on February 11, 2023, in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Weeks after undergoing breast cancer surgery, Jessie noted how her hair was beginning to fall out.
“My hair has been falling out like crazy since the surgery,” Jessie said.
Hair loss is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. On the flipside, after treatment, hair tends to regrow.
Jessie J’s journey is a powerful reminder that illness doesn’t erase identity. Through humor, honesty, and heart, she’s showing the world what resilience truly looks like.
Helping Patients Cope with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Coping with Hair Loss in Cancer Care: Practical Advice & Emotional Support
Hair loss can be one of the more emotionally challenging parts of a cancer journey. For many patients, it’s not just about appearance—it’s about identity, control, and coping with change. SurvivorNet offers guidance and resources to help you navigate this side effect with confidence and care.
“For cancer patients, losing one’s hair can be unbelievably stressful. The dread alone can lead to sleepless nights and heightened anxiety,” says Dr. Samantha Boardman, a New York-based psychiatrist and author.
WATCH: What is a scalp-cooling device?
While chemotherapy is a common cause of hair loss, radiation can also lead to thinning or baldness—especially when the treatment area includes the scalp. For instance, radiation targeting a brain tumor may result in hair loss on the head.
The good news? Hair typically begins to regrow within four to six weeks after treatment ends. According to Dr. James Taylor, a radiation oncologist at GenesisCare, “Fortunately, for most patients, hair loss is not a concern when having radiation therapy.” Still, regrowth may come with changes in texture or color.
One promising option for minimizing hair loss during chemotherapy is cold capping, also known as scalp cooling therapy. These FDA-approved devices—initially for breast cancer and now used for other cancers—are worn before, during, and after chemo sessions. The helmet-style caps are filled with gel coolant chilled to between -15°F and -40°F.
“Cold caps work by causing vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the scalp,” explains Dr. Renata Urban, gynecologic oncologist at the University of Washington.
This reduced blood flow limits the amount of chemotherapy that reaches hair follicles, helping protect them from damage. The cold also slows down follicle activity, making them less vulnerable to the effects of treatment.
If hair loss is a concern, know that you have options—from wigs and wraps to hats and scarves—that can help you feel more like yourself during treatment.
Navigating the Emotional Journey of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s completely natural for emotions to fluctuate throughout the process. Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik explains that emotional responses can shift from day to day, sometimes bringing unexpected waves of stress or uncertainty.
“The patient or person going through the stressful event should accept that emotions will be fluid,” Dr. Plutchik says. “You may feel fine one day and then feel a massive wave of stress the next. It’s also important for those you look to for support—whether that’s a therapist, friends, family, or both—to understand the fluidity of stress-related emotions.”
If your emotional well-being begins to feel significantly impacted, seeking mental health support may be beneficial. Options for care include traditional talk therapy, medication, lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet modifications, joining a support group, or other personalized approaches.
Here are a few ways to help manage the emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis:
Lean on loved ones. Open up to your family and close friends, allowing them to step in and offer support. Many cancer survivors express a strong need for assistance but struggle to ask for help—encourage those around you to offer practical aid, whether it’s meals, transportation, or simply a listening ear.
Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts and emotions can be a powerful way to process feelings. A journal provides a safe space to express yourself and reflect on your journey.
Join a cancer support group. Local and online groups offer an opportunity to connect with others who are facing similar experiences. Learning from others and sharing your story can provide comfort and strength on difficult days.
Consider therapy. Speaking with a mental health professional can help you navigate fears and concerns in a safe, supportive environment. Sometimes, vocalizing emotions rather than keeping them inside makes a meaningful difference in coping with stress.
While the path may feel uncertain, finding the right support system and coping strategies can make a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Breast cancer is a challenge, but you are not alone—and healing happens in many ways beyond the physical.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may have questions about how to keep your strength through treatment. Here are a few questions to help you begin the conversation:
What treatment will I be receiving?
What side effects are associated with this treatment?
Are there steps I can take daily to help minimize these side effects?
What physical activity routine do you recommend for me during treatment?
Do you have recommendations for someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy exercise?
ANSWER QUESTIONS
