"Actor known for 'The Office' reveals health struggle with cancer"
Best known for her role as Pam in the US comedy series "The Office", actress Jenna Fischer, has recently shared some serious news. Around a year ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This diagnosis, sadly, isn't a laughing matter.
During October, which is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fischer, now 50, took to Instagram to reveal her struggle. She posted a picture of herself sporting a "choppy pixie cut" and disclosed her battle with the disease since December 2023.
Her diagnosis was detected during a routine mammogram, but dense tissue led to an unclear result, prompting her doctor to order an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed a concern in her left breast, leading to a biopsy. It was then, on December 1, 2023, that she was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer, stage 1.
Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer, it responded well to treatment. Fischer underwent a lumpectomy, the removal of the lump from her breast, and fortunately, her cancer was caught early, having not spread. From February, she received weekly chemotherapy, and in June, she was radiated for three weeks. She continues to receive treatment, but she's optimistic, sharing, "I'm doing well."
Fischer encourages her followers to get a mammogram every year, as her small tumor couldn't be felt during a physical exam. She adds, "If I had waited six months longer, it could have been much worse. It could have spread..."
Colleagues show support
"The Office" is an American adaptation of a British original that aired around the turn of the millennium. The series, which also influenced the German series "Stromberg", saw Fischer portraying Pam Beesly, later Pam Halpert. Her colleagues have expressed their gratitude for her courageous disclosure.
Angela Kinsey, who played Angela Martin in "The Office" and co-hosts the "Office Ladies Podcast" with Fischer, commented on her Instagram post, "I love you and I'm so glad you're sharing. I've got your back, always."
Ellie Kemper, who played Erin Hannon in the series, noted, "We love you, Jenna. Thank you for letting us share and inspiring us."
Actress Olivia Munn, who announced her own breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year, also showed her support, "You know how much I love you and how incredibly proud I am of you. But I just want to say it again: I love you, and by sharing your story, you're helping so many women and saving so many lives. You're just the best."
After sharing her battle with breast cancer on Instagram, Jenna Fischer encouraged her followers to get a mammogram every year, emphasizing that her small tumor wouldn't have been detected during a physical exam if she had waited longer. Many of her colleagues from "The Office" showed their support, including Angela Kinsey who expressed her love and commitment to stand by Fischer, and Ellie Kemper who expressed their gratitude and appreciation for her courageous disclosure.
