Singer Jessie J opens up about breast cancer surgery in heartfelt post; know what breast cancer is, its symptoms, causes and ways to prevent

Time of India

10 hours ago

Breast cancer remains one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, affecting millions of women and a smaller number of men each year. Recently, in an Instagram video, singer Jessie J.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
shared her heartfelt journey of breast cancer. She described how important it was for her to be diagnosed with early breast cancer detection. Whether you're learning for yourself or supporting a loved one, understanding the structure of the breast, how cancer develops, and the signs to watch for is essential. Know the breakdown of the causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options to help you stay informed and proactive about breast health.
Singer Jessie J shares update as she undergoes breast cancer surgery
Singer Jessie J recently underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer and is now recovering at home while awaiting results. The 37-year-old shared a heartfelt social media post thanking her medical team and posting candid photos and videos from her hospital stay. She described the update as showing the 'highs and lows' of the past 48 hours and promised to be open about both the good and hard parts of her journey.
Jessie revealed her diagnosis in early June and scheduled surgery after performing at Capital's Summertime Ball on June 15.
Her post included touching moments with her partner, Chanan Safir Colman, and their son, as well as clips of her singing from her hospital bed and humorously referring to post-surgery drained blood as a 'goji berry smoothie.'
Let us know more about the commonly spreading breast cancer particularly among women.
What is breast cancer
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It occurs when mutations or abnormal changes cause breast cells to multiply rapidly and form a tumor, which can be felt as a lump or seen on imaging like a mammogram.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
While it mostly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer, though it's much rarer.
The human breast is a complex organ composed of 15 to 20 sections called lobes. Each lobe contains many smaller units called lobules, which end in tiny bulbs responsible for producing milk. These structures are all connected by a network of thin tubes known as ducts, which carry milk toward the nipple.
How breast cancer begins
Breast cancer develops when certain cells in the breast start growing uncontrollably.
While it mostly affects women, men can also develop the disease. Not all breast lumps are cancerous—many are benign, meaning they do not spread beyond the breast or pose a serious health risk. However, some benign conditions can increase the risk of developing cancer later.
It is critical to consult a healthcare provider for any breast lump or noticeable change to determine whether it's benign or malignant and to assess any potential risk of future breast cancer.
Common origins of breast cancer
Breast cancer can originate in various parts of the breast, which includes:
Lobules: Milk-producing glands where lobular cancers start.
Ducts: Channels that carry milk to the nipple, and the most common site for ductal carcinoma.
Nipple and Areola: A rare form called Paget disease begins here.
Stroma: The supportive tissue, fat, and connective tissue where rare cancers like phyllodes tumors originate.
Lymph and Blood Vessels: Cancers like angiosarcoma may start in these vessels.
Some rare cancers such as lymphomas and sarcomas may occur in the breast but are not typically classified as breast cancer.
Breast cancer early signs and symptoms to watch for
Recognising the warning signs of breast cancer is crucial. These may include:
A lump in the breast or underarm
Changes in breast size or shape
Skin dimpling or puckering
Inward-turned nipple
Unusual nipple discharge (especially bloody)
Redness, scaling, or swelling of the breast or nipple
Skin texture resembling an orange peel (peau d'orange)
Any such changes warrant prompt medical attention.
Causes of breast cancer
Breast cancer develops when genetic mutations or changes occur in the DNA of breast cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably. In many cases, the precise cause of these changes remains unknown.
However, some genetic mutations are inherited, meaning individuals are born with them. Breast cancer that arises from inherited mutations is referred to as hereditary breast cancer. One of the most well-known genetic risk factors involves mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These inherited changes not only increase the risk of breast cancer but also elevate the risk of ovarian and other types of cancer. In addition to genetics, environmental influences and lifestyle factors can also contribute to breast cancer risk.
Is early detection of breast cancer important
Yes. The early detection of breast cancer is very crucial as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. When identified in an early stage, it may increase the percentage of survival rate. It may also decrease the less aggressive treatments, better quality of life and faster recovery. Regular screenings, mammograms, and self-exams empower individuals to take charge of their health and catch abnormalities before they become life-threatening.
Who is at risk for breast cancer
Several factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include:
Increasing age
Personal history of breast cancer or certain benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions
Family history or inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
Dense breast tissue
Hormonal and reproductive history, such as:
Early onset of menstruation
Late menopause
Having a first child at an older age or never having given birth
Use of hormone therapy during menopause
Radiation exposure to the chest or breast area
Obesity
Alcohol consumption
How breast cancer spreads in the body
Breast cancer can spread (metastasize) through both the blood and lymphatic systems. Once cancer cells enter the lymph vessels, they can travel to lymph nodes and potentially to distant organs.
Major lymph node groups related to breast cancer include:
Axillary lymph nodes (underarm)
Internal mammary nodes (inside the chest)
Supraclavicular and infraclavicular nodes (above and below the collarbone)
The involvement of lymph nodes typically suggests a higher chance of cancer spreading, although it's not definitive in every case.
Types of breast cancer
The most prevalent types of breast cancer are:
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): Confined to the ducts.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Spreads beyond the ducts.
Lobular Carcinoma: Originates in the lobules.
Other rare types include angiosarcoma, phyllodes tumors, and inflammatory breast cancer. Classification also depends on receptor status such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 status, which guide treatment decisions.
Breast cancer: Ways to prevent
While not all cases of breast cancer can be prevented, adopting certain healthy lifestyle habits may help lower your risk. These include:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting alcohol consumption
Engaging in regular physical activity
Reducing exposure to estrogen by:
Breastfeeding, if possible
Limiting the use of hormone replacement therapy
If you're considered high-risk, your healthcare provider might recommend preventive medications. In some cases, women at very high risk choose to undergo preventive mastectomy, even if no cancer is present. Additionally, regular mammogram screenings are essential. They can help detect breast cancer early, increasing the chances of effective treatment and better outcomes.