Jessie J Diagnosed with ‘Early’ Breast Cancer: ‘I Need to Process It and Talk About It’

Jessie J shared a candid video on Tuesday and said she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In the Instagram video, the English singer-songwriter said that although she was “going back and forth” over whether she should reveal the news or not, she ultimately decided that she wanted to “share it with my fans and the people that care about me.” Jessie added, “Also, I’m a sharer. I’ve always shared everything that I go through in my life.”

“Before ‘No Secrets’ came out, I was diagnosed with early breast cancer,” said Jessie.

The track was released in April through her own label Jessie J Records, and is the first single from her upcoming sixth album.

“I’m highlighting the word ‘early,’” continued Jessie. “Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding on to the word early. I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period.” The artist said that she wanted to share the news “because selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard.” She continued, “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. It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse, that’s the bit that kills me.”

Jessie told fans that this wasn’t something she planned, and remarked, “I’m getting to keep my nipples. That’s good.” Before signing off, she said, “I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive tits and more music.” Capital’s Summertime Ball will be held in London on June 15.

In a separate post on Instagram Stories, Jessie said that she had been holding onto the health update for 9 weeks. “The timing of it has been mad but also beautiful and given me this incredible perspective in this time,” she wrote. “But honestly I need to process it and talk about it and, I need a hug.”

Speaking to fans directly, Jessie said, “You have loved me through all my good and hard times. And I don’t want this to be any different.”