“The Office” star Jenna Fischer shared a message on Instagram on Tuesday, revealing that she was diagnosed with stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer in December 2023.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I never thought I’d be making this announcement, but here it is,” she told her 3.9 million followers. The famous actress shared a snapshot of her family photo and a message she wrote that she wanted to share with her fans. “After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I am now cancer-free,” she wrote.
Fisher continued, “I wanted to accompany this news with a photo of myself looking happy and healthy in a spotted pixie.Thank you to Angela Kinsey’s husband Josh Snyder for taking this photo. Thank you. This is just one example of the care they showed me during this trip.”
The slides she posted with her message chronicled the grueling treatments she endured as part of her fight against the disease.
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 9: Jenna Fischer attends the “Blood Status” premiere during the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival held at the Winter Garden Theater on September 9, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by J. Merritt/WireImage) Getty Images
“Back in October 2023, I posted a photo on Instagram of myself preparing for a routine mammogram and, like Michael Scott, said, ‘Let’s cherish the ticking time bag. ‘I said it jokingly,’ she said.
Dr. Fisher explained that a mammogram test was inconclusive, so a breast ultrasound was performed, followed by a biopsy, which ultimately led to the diagnosis.
She described triple-positive breast cancer as an “aggressive form of breast cancer,” but said it was also “very responsive to treatment.”
“The Office” star opened up to fans and said he underwent surgery to remove the tumor in January. She said: “The cancer was detected early and had not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.” [her] But she still needed 12 rounds of chemotherapy in February, followed by three weeks of radiation in June.
BURBANK, CA – FEBRUARY 5: Actress Jenna Fischer attends the premiere of “15:17 to Paris” at Warner Bros. Studios on February 5, 2018 in Burbank, California. . (Photo Credit: Axel/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) Getty Images
Fisher explained how she kept her diagnosis private until she was ready to talk about it publicly.
“I lost my hair during chemotherapy, but thanks to my amazing wigs and hats with hair (which my family affectionately called Wiggats), I was able to reveal everything that was happening to me. I couldn’t wait until now,” she said.
Fisher admitted that her life immediately changed and she is still undergoing treatment.
“And I’m continuing treatment with Herceptin IV and daily Tamoxifen, and I’m happy to say I’m feeling great,” Fisher wrote.
“As anyone diagnosed with cancer knows, life can change quickly. Doctor appointments, test results, treatment, and recovery from treatment become everything. Suddenly, everything in your life changes. It becomes centered around one thing: fighting cancer,” she said. (Related: ‘Boy Meets World’ Star Danielle Fishel Reveals Shocking Health Condition)
Fischer urged fans to be mindful of their health, noting that if they had waited six months, they might have missed the chance to overcome the disease.
