Breaking the news during Breast Cancer Awareness month, actress Jenna Fischer (The Office, Splitting Up Together) opened up about her secret battle with breast cancer on Instagram. Fischer, well-known for her role as Pam in the comedy series The Office, posted a photo of herself smiling and showing off a pixie cut hairstyle, followed by explanations of her private cancer journey.
The announcement started with positive news, with Fischer sharing, “Last December, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer. After completing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation I am now cancer free.”
While Fischer’s diagnosis was in December, her journey officially started in October via Instagram. She explained, “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. 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 Dec. 1, 2023, I learned I had Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer.”
Fischer continued on Instagram that in February she began 12 rounds of chemotherapy, with three weeks of radiation in June to combat the aggressive form of cancer that is Triple Positive Breast Cancer.
Fischer opened up about wearing wigs these past few months after her treatment plan caused hair loss, per Instagram. She revealed, “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.”
Fischer reminded fans that an integral part of her journey was the support she received while battling cancer. She thanked doctors, caregivers, friends and family through her emotional post. She gave a special thanks to past co-star, co-worker and “best-friend” Angela Kinsey (The Office, Tall Girl) as she continued to work on their podcast while she was ill. Additionally, she poured her heart out to her husband and kids who remained her rock through her ups and downs.
Fischer ended her post by imploring fans to follow through on routine medical checkups and spoke lengths to the support of the breast cancer community.