‘The Office’ star Jenna Fischer opens up about cancer battle

(WJW) – “The Office” actress Jenna Fischer is opening up for the first time about her private battle with breast cancer.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the 50-year-old Indiana native made the announcement on Instagram Tuesday.

“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,” the post said. “After inconclusive results on that mammogram due to dense breast tissue, my doctor ordered a breast ultrasound.”

A biopsy revealed in December that she had Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer.

Fischer said the cancer was aggressive but highly responsive to treatment. She had a lumpectomy done in January to remove the tumor.

“Luckily my cancer was caught early and it hadn’t spread into my lymph nodes or throughout the rest of my body, however because of the aggressive nature of triple positive breast cancer, it still required chemotherapy and radiation to be sure it didn’t return,” the post said.

She started 12 rounds of weekly chemo in February and three weeks of radiation in June.

In Tuesday’s post, Fischer said she’s officially cancer-free.

“While I continue to be treated with infusions of Herceptin and a daily dose of Tamoxifen, I’m happy to say I’m feeling great,” she said.

Fischer said she lost her hair during chemo, but thanks to wigs and hats, she was able to keep her diagnosis private until she was ready to speak about it publicly.

“I’m making the 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,” the post said. “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.”

She went on to thank the “village” that helped her through the cancer journey, including family, friends, strangers, “The Office” costar Angela Kinsey, her kids and her husband Lee.

“Know that should you get a breast cancer diagnosis, there is a village waiting to care for you,” the post concluded.

Loved ones and fans flooded the comments, including Kinsey who wrote, “I love you and I’m so glad you’re sharing. I got your back, always” and fellow “The Office” actress Ellie Kemper, who wrote, “We love you, Jenna. Thank you for sharing and for inspiring.”

Learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website.

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