In 2012, Jake’s brother Oliver died from bone cancer – just four years after their dad lost his battle with the disease.
Speaking with aTEEN magazine, Jake, 26, thanked his mum for helping him get through the difficult period in his life.
He said: “These bastard illnesses need to be overpowered. I am so proud of what charities like Cancer Research have achieved and we as society will stand up and beat it.
“What kept me going? I had the support of the strongest woman I know – my mum. I am lucky to have such strong women around me and at my weakest, they gave me the power to come through.”
Former X Factor star Jake also revealed he had his own cancer scare just last year.
He continued: “I have to go for constant check-ups. Only last year I had a bit of a scare when I found a lump in my leg. Health is a massively important thing for me and I try and live my life to the full every day.
Jake, who came runner-up on last year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here certainly has a lot going on to keep him smiling these days.
Tickets are currently on sale for his debut tour, his single I Want You is available now and he recently moved in with girlfriend Danielle Fogarty.
“Life is so precious and I never want to take another day for granted,” he added.