Jenna Fischer announced in a new Instagram post that she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and opened up about her experience in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Back in October 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,” the 50-year-old recalled.
She then wrote, “After inconclusive results on that mammogram due to dense breast tissue, my doctor ordered a breast ultrasound. They found something in my left breast. A biopsy was ordered. Then, on December 1, 2023, I learned I had stage 1 triple positive breast cancer.”
Fischer shared that she had surgery in January to remove the tumor before it spread, but, due to the cancer’s aggressive nature, still underwent chemotherapy and radiation.
‘The Office’ star went through 12 rounds of chemo starting in February and three weeks of radiation starting in June. She has also been infused with two other medications.
The treatment caused her hair loss, which she said she hid until now with wigs and hats. Her message continued, “I’m making this announcement for a few reasons. One, I’m ready to ditch the wigs. Two, to implore you to get your annual mammograms. You can also ask your doctor to calculate your Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score and get any additional screenings required. I’m serious, call your doctors right now.”
“If I had waited six months longer, things could have been much worse,” the actress noted. “It could have spread. Seeing women post photos of their mammogram appointments on Instagram needled me into setting my own (which I was late for). I’m so glad I did. Consider this your kick in the butt to get it done…. Suddenly everything in your life is geared around one thing: fighting cancer.”
Fischer shared hope that her story will offer support to other women dealing with similar challenges. She also thanked her doctors, nurses, friends, family, and fellow cancer survivors for their support during her journey.
The post ended on a positive note, revealing that the actress’ recent screenings showed she is now cancer-free. “Again, don’t skip your mammogram…. And know that should you get a breast cancer diagnosis, there is a village waiting to care for you,” it concluded.
Jenna Fischer made her screen debut in 1998’s ‘Channel 493.’ She made a name in the industry for playing Pam Beesly in ‘The Office’ and also appeared in films like ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin,’ ‘Solitary Man,’ and ‘Mean Girls,’ as well as shows like ‘That ‘70s Show,’ ‘Six Feet Under,’ and most recently ‘Splitting Up Together.’
