Jessie J has a “one in two chance” of her cancer returning.
The 37-year-old pop star underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer in June and doctors told the singer they had managed to remove all of the abnormal cells, but Jessie will need regular monitoring in the future because there’s a good chance the disease could return.
The singer – who is scheduled to have another surgery to realign her implants later this year – told The Sunday Times newspaper: “People think, once you’ve got the all-clear, now it’s done. But I’ve got another surgery [to improve the symmetry of her implant with her other breast] and I need to heal, so I have to figure out the rest of this year … There’s a one in two chance [of the cancer returning].”
Jessie went on to reveal she sees her health issue as a warning to slow down, adding: “Maybe this has happened to go: slow your roll, girl, let’s have a little reassessment.”
She also went on to talk about a tender moment she shared with her mum after her first surgery, saying: “The other night, Mum was massaging my boob for me, because I can’t touch the scars.
“And I started sobbing: ‘I can’t believe this has happened.’ She was like: ‘I wish it was me,’ and then I’m crying, she’s crying … I’m so glad it’s not her.”
Jessie recently hinted she is still planning to release new music even as she recovers from her surgery.
In a post on social media, she explained: “I am 7 weeks post breast cancer surgery. I’m still in the thick of recovery and my body is still finding its way.
“But I LOVE music and I LOVE my life and I want to LIVE in the moment.
“Instead of stopping and disappearing and waiting for the timing to be perfect to release music again. I am choosing to carry on.
“Life is layered and has highs and lows and we just have to keep living through all of it, the best we can.
“So here I am. LIVING … And I just want you to have the music … Deal? (sic)”
Jessie’s post was accompanied by a brief video, which ended with the date “August 29” appearing on the screen.