The Office star Jenna Fischer reveals secret battle with ‘aggressive’ breast cancer and urges others to ‘get checked’
THE Office actress Jenna Fischer has revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in an emotional post.
Sharing a new picture on her Instagram, the actress, 50, announced she had been treated for the disease since last year.
In a post to mark breast cancer awareness month, Fischer said that she had undergone a lumpectomy as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
She noted in the caption that she underwent a routine mammogram last year, before encouraging others to do the same.
In a jokey reference to Michael Scott, the main character played by Steve Carrell in the show, she wrote: “Back in October of 2023 I posted a photo of myself on Instagram preparing for my routine mammogram with a joking reminder to ‘take care of your ticking time bags,’ a la Michael Scott.”
Doctors discovered “something in my left breast,” she recalled.
She revealed she had lost her hair during treatment, but was now cancer-free.
Fischer, who is a mom to two kids aged 10 and 13, said she had been wearing wigs since losing her hair.
“I’m making this announcement for a few reasons,” she said. “One, I’m ready to ditch the wigs. Two, to implore you to get your annual mammograms.”
She went on, “I’m serious, call your doctor right now. My tumor was so small it could not be felt on a physical exam.
“If I had waited six months longer, things could have been much worse. It could have spread.”
Urging others to get tested for breast cancer, she added, “Don’t skip your mammogram. Take it from Pam and her Pam Pams.
“Michael was right. Get ’em checked ladies. And know that should you get a breast cancer diagnosis, there is a village waiting to take care of you.”
Despite the positive news, Fischer said she was still receiving medication transfusions.
“I’m happy to say I’m feeling great,” she wrote.
She also shared a sweet picture of her and her husband and two kids celebrating in the yard as she rang a bell to mark being cancer-free.
Fischer is best known for playing Pam Beesly on NBC’s sitcom The Office, which ran for nine seasons between 2005 and 2013.
WHAT IS TRIPLE-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER?
THE Office star Jenna Fischer has been diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer. What is this rarer form of the disease?
Triple-positive breast cancer occurs when cancer cells contain higher levels of HER2 protein, as well as receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
This means that when estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 proteins bind to the cancer cells, they grow faster.
As a result, these types of cancers are considered aggressive.
However, these types of disease respond better to treatment than triple-negative breast cancers, which tend to have a worse prognosis.
Triple-positive breast cancer treatment usually involves surgery, such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, medications targeting the HER2 protein, and hormonal therapy.
Source: BreastCancer.org.
Well-wishers have bombarded the post with support as they praised Fischer for her bravery and honesty about her health, as well as her message to others to get mammograms.
“You already know how much I love you and how incredibly proud of you I am,” wrote actress Olivia Munn underneath.
“But I just want to say it again; I love you and by sharing your story you’re helping so many women and saving so many lives. You’re just the best.”
Fellow co-star from The Office, Angela Kinsey also praised Fischer’s post.
“I love you and I’m so glad you’re sharing,” the actress, who played Angela Martin on the hit show wrote. “I got your back, always.”
Ellie Kemper, who played Erin Hannon on The Office, wrote, “We love you, Jenna. Thank you for sharing and for inspiring.”
And actress Jennifer Garner wished Fischer “Congratulations,” adding, “I’m so grateful to know you’re on the other side and cancer-free.”