British DJ, 38, diagnosed with cancer for fourth time as she announces career break to ‘heal up physically and emotionally’
Top British DJ Hannah Wants has revealed she is battling cancer for the fourth time and will take a four-month break from touring to focus on her recovery.
The 38-year-old DJ, whose real name is Hannah Smith, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post, explaining she needs time to “heal up physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually”.
The announcement comes eight years after her first breast cancer diagnosis, with the star having faced three recurrences since then.
She confirmed she will pause her touring schedule but assured fans her upcoming single will still be released in February 2025.
In her candid Instagram post, Hannah described her fourth diagnosis as “an unexpected, monumental shock to all systems”.
“My world has flipped, my life path, my time and my energy have all been redirected and my journey to full health and wellness has restarted,” she wrote.
The DJ shared a photo of herself in hospital, telling followers: “I wanted to keep it real with you all because I’m going off grid for a while”.
She urged her followers to cherish their loved ones, writing: “Tomorrow is never promised and that goes for me, you and our loved ones. Tell your people you love them. Show them you love them”.
Hannah has established herself as one of the world’s most sought-after DJs, performing at clubs and festivals from Australia to Ibiza.
She has been DJing since the age of 18 and is particularly known for her Radio 1 residency.
In 2019, Hannah launched her own label called Etiquette, embarking on an intimate club tour of the UK and Ireland.
Speaking about playing smaller venues at the time, she said: “Don’t get me wrong playing in front of 1000-2000 people in a club is incredible but there’s nothing quite like DJing close quarters with 200-500 ravers where the DJ booth and crowd feel as one.”
Fellow celebrities have rushed to support Hannah following her announcement.
JLS star Marvin Humes wrote: “Thinking of you Hannah and sending big love and strength, what a powerful post.”
DJ Spoony shared an emotional message: “I don’t think I’ve ever read a more beautiful and positive post. H, I love the energy here. Sending hugs, love and all the strength to help you deal with it. You absolute champion.”
Fellow DJ James Hype added his support, simply writing: “Stay strong Hannah.”
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The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, with many offering prayers and well wishes.
Hannah explained her decision to step back from touring, saying: “Before now, I’d see taking time off as weakness.
“We glamorise overworking and wear burnout as some kind of badge of honour, but I’m realising now more than ever that true strength lies in the ability to take a step back,” she added.
The DJ plans to focus on healing through “an integrative approach using some conventional treatment and leaning more heavily than ever into the holistic approach”.
She encouraged others battling cancer to “not give up” and asked fans to “pray” for her during this challenging time.