Rita Ora reveals her world ‘crumbled’ after her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis which led to her suffering from hypochondria

Rita Ora shared details about the challenging times she experienced during her teenage years when her world fell apart following her mother Vera’s breast cancer diagnosis.

At the tender age of 13, this talented British vocalist had her mother diagnosed in 2005, who was then 39 years old. She subsequently underwent a partial mastectomy, as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Previously mentioning her encounters with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and panic attacks following Vera’s health struggle, Rita disclosed that she now deals with health anxiety, frequently seeking medical examinations.

On Davina McCall’s Begin Again podcast, the pop star shared insights about her mother’s struggle with health issues.

It was distressing to witness something I thought would always remain, gradually disintegrate before my eyes.

‘Even when you’re a kid, I was a teenager, I was 13 and I was very confused.

I yearned to spend every moment with her, but she insisted I focus on my education since I was attending an exceptional school—one that they were funding, amidst all the treatments they were administering. It was a challenging period for my parents and me.

Rita mentioned that observing Vera’s entire healthcare journey significantly influenced her personal health, leading her to consult with doctors more frequently than usual.

She went on to say: ‘The high ratings and percentages of breast cancer really alarmed me, so I made a point to get regular check-ups and this concern seemed to extend to my overall health as well. I couldn’t help but recall the whole experience with my mom.’

It wasn’t until I began therapy that I truly understood the extent to which I felt compelled to support her, as I hadn’t realized it was an important issue beforehand.

Initially, I thought to myself, “Perhaps I’m visiting the doctor excessively.” However, upon reflection, I genuinely think that’s the case due to my observation of the incident and the subsequent treatment course.

The performer mentioned that her mother experiences PTSD and an ongoing anxiety during her routine examinations, as there’s always a lingering “what if” concern.

She mentioned: “She continues to feel the same apprehension whenever she undergoes her routine check-ups, it’s crucial to maintain these regular examinations, and my mom experiences anxiety specifically during this time due to the ‘what if’ thoughts – this is a manifestation of PTSD.

Experiencing something life-altering can instill an enduring apprehension about future similar events. Even though God understands what it might feel like to go through such an ordeal, the fear seems unending.

Back in February 2019, Rita’s mom, Vera, shared her experience of getting diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 39 years old during an appearance on the talk show Loose Women.

Vera passionately shared: “My trip was incredibly challenging, especially since the treatments at a young age are often intense and lengthy.

If detected early, treatment tends to be more extensive, as I underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a mastectomy.

2022 saw Rita emotional as she shared her mother’s struggle against breast cancer during an episode of The Voice Australia.

At that moment, Aleisha Gam’s story deeply touched her, since it resonated with her personal experience of her mother’s cancer fight.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I shared with the coaches that for the past two years, I’ve been walking alongside my mom in her battle against cancer. My heartfelt wish is that through my song, she would be able to truly feel the depth of my love for her.

Her open sincerity prompted Rita to share her personal account of her family dealing with cancer, a topic she usually avoids discussing in public.

Rita shared, as she gently brushed away tears, ‘It’s like I can really relate to having a strong bond with a particular song, and the associated memories are forever tied to it.’

‘When my mother was undergoing cancer treatment, she lost her hair and we were in our teenage years at the time.’ (This version maintains the original meaning and is more concise while also being easier to read.)

It felt strange to witness your mom not living up to the superhero image I’ve always held of her in my mind…

Since it’s unexpected for parents to emotionally break down in your presence, is that the idea you’re conveying?

After taking a deep breath, she replied, ‘You see, it’s like fitting pieces together… It leaves me speechless.’

After gathering her thoughts for a moment, Rita shared that her mother had battled breast cancer, yet she is triumphantly referred to as a ‘victor’ over the disease.

She also frequently discusses this topic. Being a survivor herself, she experienced it at a very early age, and I believe it’s crucial for her memories of it to be shared with her. This is what she went on saying.

I felt compelled to make a point. I usually avoid discussing my mother in such a manner because it can be quite challenging.

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2025-06-26 12:36