Jenna Fischer Announces She’s ‘Cancer Free’ Following Last Year’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Jenna Fischer is shining a light on Breast Cancer Awareness Month by announcing that she is now “cancer free” after her diagnosis in October 2023.
In an emotional post on her Instagram page, the 50-year-old actress shared details of her cancer journey. Fischer revealed that she was diagnosed with stage I triple-positive breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease driven by estrogen, progesterone hormones, and the HER2 protein, after undergoing a routine mammogram last year.
To combat the cancer, Fischer underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor, followed by radiation, infusions, and chemotherapy, which resulted in her losing her hair. “I’m happy to say that I was recently re-screened, and the treatments worked. I am cancer free,” she wrote. “I will continue to be treated and monitored to help me stay that way.”
The star of “The Office” shared a photo of herself with a “patchy pixie” haircut, explaining that she wanted to portray a happy and healthy image along with her uplifting news.
Fischer chose to make her announcement this week to encourage her followers to schedule their annual mammograms, emphasizing that her tumor was so small it couldn’t be detected during a physical exam.
Women at average risk for breast cancer are advised to start having mammograms every other year from age 40 until age 74, as recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Additionally, Fischer expressed her desire to support other women undergoing cancer treatments, stating, “As anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis knows, your life changes immediately. It becomes all about doctor appointments, test results, treatments, and recovering from treatments. It takes a village to fight cancer, and I have had an amazing village.”
This village, as Fischer described, included her dedicated team of doctors and nurses, fellow survivors who shared their experiences, as well as her family and friends. She highlighted the support of her former “Office” co-star and current “Office Ladies” podcast co-host Angela Kinsey, who “protected me and advocated for me” throughout her journey.
Fischer also expressed deep gratitude for her husband, Lee Kirk, who has stood by her side through it all.
To celebrate the conclusion of her treatment, Fischer, Kirk, and their two children rang a bell in their backyard, joyfully throwing confetti in the air. A photo capturing this special moment is featured in Fischer’s post.
