“The Office” star Jenna Fischer reveals breast cancer diagnosis, says she's 'cancer free' after treatment
Fischer is "ready to ditch the wigs."
The Office star Jenna Fischer has revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, but has since undergone successful treatment.
"October is breast cancer awareness month," Fischer captioned her statement on social media (below). "I never thought I’d be making an announcement like this but here we are. Last December, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer. After completing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation I am now cancer free."
She referred to her hairstyle in the accompanying photo as "patchy pixie."
Fischer played Dunder Mifflin employee Pam on all nine season of the mockumentary-style NBC comedy. She and Angela Kinsey, the actress who played her grumpy co-worker Angela, hosted podcast The Office Ladies in 2016, and co-authored the book The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There in 2022.
Kinsey merited a special shout-out: "A big thank you to Angela Kinsey's husband Josh Snyder for taking this photo. It's just one example of the care they showed me during this journey."
Related: Jenna Fischer reveals the Office cast used to IM each other — and fans — during scenes
In a lengthier statement captured on slides, the Blades of Glory actress explained why she had decided to share her very personal health story.
"One, I'm ready to ditch the wigs," Fischer, 50, said. "Two, to implore you to get your annual mammograms."
Related: The Office cast: Where are they now?
She noted that her 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."
Following treatment, she reported that her doctor declared her free of cancer.
She had been convinced to go for a mammogram after seeing women post photos of their own to social media, she said. Fischer wanted to provide that "kick in the butt to get it done."
Her message was also meant to send support for those undergoing treatment and grappling with the maze that is a cancer diagnosis. It was also a way of thanking the many people who had shown her kindness.
When she finished her own treatments, Fischer said that her husband, Lee Kirk, who played Clark on The Office, asked her how she wanted to celebrate.
"I said I simply wanted to ring a bell, with the kids, in our backyard, with everyone throwing confetti," she recalled. "So, we did it."
Related: Emily Blunt says Office fans yell at her for not being Pam when she's out with John Krasinski
Fischer's statement ended with a nod to The Office and clueless office manager Michael Scott, who was played by Steve Carrell: "Take it from Pam and her Pam Pams. Michael was right. Get 'em checked ladies."
Kind comments underneath her post included some familiar names, such as those of The Office costars Kinsey, Ellie Kemper (Erin), and Mindy Kaling (Kelly); actresses Olivia Munn, Jennifer Garner, and Marla Sokoloff; journalist Katie Couric; and musician Questlove.
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