New Zealand television personality and comedian Jaquie Brown has revealed she was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in April 2026, underwent a mastectomy the following month and is now facing a treatment plan expected to continue in some form for 10 years.
Brown, 50, said cancer was found in her left breast despite previous mammograms coming back clear. She believes it had been present for at least a couple of years, drawing attention to a type of breast cancer that can be more difficult to detect on standard mammography.
Jaquie Brown was diagnosed in April
Brown described initially struggling to believe the diagnosis because she considered herself healthy. With characteristic humour, she recalled thinking about how much broccoli she ate, her charitable acts and even rescuing worms from the rain.
A scan, however, showed invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) in her left breast. Brown said the cancer appeared to have been developing for at least a couple of years despite her clear mammograms.
Why invasive lobular cancer can be harder to detect
ILC begins in the breast’s milk-producing lobules before invading surrounding tissue. The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ says invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common invasive breast cancer and can be difficult to detect because its cells tend to grow in lines rather than forming a distinct lump.
Brown’s experience does not mean mammograms are ineffective. Screening remains important, but no screening test detects every cancer. Her case highlights why persistent or unusual breast changes should still be discussed with a healthcare professional.
What ER+, PR+ and HER2- means
Brown said her tumour was ER-positive, PR-positive and HER2-negative. ER and PR positivity means the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen and progesterone, hormones that can help those cells grow. HER2-negative means the tumour does not have the elevated HER2 characteristics associated with HER2-positive breast cancer.
These biomarkers help doctors determine appropriate treatment, but they do not by themselves establish Brown’s cancer stage or prognosis.
Brown also said testing indicated her cancer was not genetic. She stressed that developing cancer was not something she should blame herself for.
Brown underwent a mastectomy in May
One month after her diagnosis, Brown underwent a mastectomy. Using a garden metaphor, she said the “weed” had been removed and treatment was now focused on making her body less hospitable to rogue cancer cells.
Friend Jessie Stanley delivered a breast-themed maple syrup cake before the operation, and Brown shared photographs showing how humour has remained part of the way she is processing her diagnosis.
Brown has not publicly disclosed her cancer stage, tumour size or whether lymph nodes were involved. Those details cannot be inferred from the mastectomy.
Why does Brown have a 10-year treatment plan?
Brown said her continuing care will involve radiation, infusions, further surgeries, injections and pills, with aspects of treatment continuing for 10 years.
That does not necessarily mean a decade of continuous intensive treatment. Longer-term medication can form part of treatment for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Brown has not disclosed the names or individual schedules of her treatments.
Other entertainers have similarly chosen to discuss cancer publicly, including Canadian television personality Bruno Blanchet, who revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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‘Adjust then thrive’
Brown said treatment has caused a profound change in her body’s chemistry and described herself as both overwhelmed and grateful. Her mantra is “adjust then thrive”, although she acknowledged she remains in the uncertain adjustment stage.
She described cancer as an emotional rollercoaster involving vulnerability and anxiety while giving her greater empathy for others dealing with the disease.
Public interest in serious health disclosures can also create speculation, making verified information particularly important. Similar questions have surrounded reports about Jorge Messi’s illness and health history.
Dai Henwood’s influence and support from friends
Brown paid tribute to comedian Dai Henwood, who has publicly documented his own cancer experience. Brown worked with him on The Life of Dai and said he taught her that a cancer diagnosis affects everyone who cares about the person receiving it.
Henwood offered his support following Brown’s announcement. Comedian Joe Daymond and actor Shavaughn Ruakere were among others sending messages, while Brown thanked broadcaster Sarah Gandy, Jessie Stanley and friends who supported her through treatment.
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