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Singer Jessie J Diagnosed with Early Stage Breast Cancer: Is It Curable?

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British Grammy-nominated singer Jessie J has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at the age of 37. "Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding onto the word 'early,'" Jessie told her nearly 14 million followers on Instagram in a video. While Jessie has not disclosed any further details about her diagnosis, experts say an early stage of breast cancer is "highly treatable and survivable.
Singer Jessie J Diagnosed with Early Stage Breast Cancer

While Jessie has not disclosed any further details about her diagnosis, an early stage of breast cancer is highly treatable and survivable (Pic: Instagram/iStock)

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UK singer Jessie J has announced a diagnosis with the earliest stage of breast cancer, where the disease has spread outside of its original location. The 37-year-old artist, whose real name is Jessica Ellen Cornish, said she was diagnosed with breast cancer before her latest single just released in April.
Jessie shared with her fans on social media that she will undergo surgery following her performance at Summertime Ball on June 15, an annual music festival in Lon"Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding onto the word 'early,'" the Grammy-nominated singer told her nearly 14 million followers on Instagram in a video.

What is early-stage breast cancer?

Breast cancer is characterised by five major stages, from Stage 0 to Stage 4. While Jessie has not disclosed any further details about her diagnosis, experts say an early stage of breast cancer is "highly treatable and survivable.
Breast cancer in young women is when you receive a diagnosis between the ages of 18 and 45 years. Doctors say this cancer can strike at any age, though most women are over 50 years old when they receive a diagnosis. But you can be diagnosed while you are younger, too. Even adolescents and young adults can get breast cancer. According to experts, breast cancers in women under 45 years may also be aggressive and harder to treat based on tumour markers.

Signs and symptoms of early-stage breast cancer

A few signs and symptoms of breast cancer in young women are the same as other people with breast cancer, which include:
  • Lumps in your breasts or in your armpit
  • Pain in your breast, also known as mastalgia
  • Changes in the skin of your breast like redness, dimpling, or frequent rashes
  • Inverted nipple
  • Nipple discharge with or without nipple pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Thickening or swelling in your breast skin or nipple

What causes breast cancer at a young age?

According to experts, around half of early-onset breast cancers are related to mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, also known as genetic mutations. If they are not mutated, these tumour suppressor genes work like a switch to control the growth of abnormal cells that might cause cancer.
If they get mutated, the abnormal cells multiply unchecked. If you have a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, you may be at higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
Researchers are looking for other genetic mutations that might increase your risk of early-onset breast cancer. Your risk is higher if you have mutations in genes like TP53, PTEN, STK11, PALB2, and CDH1. There are others as well, and we expect research to identify more relationships in the coming years.

What are the risk factors for early-stage breast cancer?

Doctors say your family’s medical history plays a big role in your risk of developing breast cancer when you are young. You can be at a higher risk if you have family members who had or have:
  • Breast cancer before the age of 50 years
  • Cancer in both breasts.
  • Male breast cancer
  • Metastatic prostate cancer
  • Ovarian cancer at any age
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Triple-negative breast cancer
Other risk factors include:
  • Gene mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, or a family member who has or had these mutations
  • Previous radiation therapy
  • Precancerous breast conditions, like atypical hyperplasia
  • If you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent

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Ashima Sharda Mahindra
Ashima Sharda Mahindra author

Is a prolific writer with a varied experience of over two decades of journalism under her belt. She writes passionately about diverse health topics wi...View More

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