Jenna Fischer talks about quietly overcoming breast cancer

Jenna Fischer, best known for her role on The Office, is opening up about her experience with breast cancer after privately grappling with the disease over the past year.

The TV star marked October Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Tuesday with a fearless Instagram post in which she detailed her diagnosis and urged fans to stay up to date on her screenings.

In the post, Fischer, 50, shared a smiling photo of herself with what she called a “patchy pixie” haircut, along with a detailed account of her health journey.

“I never thought I would make an announcement like this, but here we are. Last December I was diagnosed with stage 1 triple positive breast cancer,” she wrote in the caption. “After completing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I am now cancer-free.”

In the accompanying statement, Fischer said, “In October 2023, I posted a photo on Instagram of myself preparing for my routine mammogram with the joking reminder to ‘watch the ticking time bags’ a la Michael Scott.”

“After the results of this mammogram were inconclusive due to the dense breast tissue, my doctor ordered a breast ultrasound,” she continued. “They found something in my left breast. A biopsy was ordered. Then, on December 1, 2023, I learned that I had stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer.”

To combat cancer, the popular actor underwent a lumpectomy in January. She also required chemotherapy and radiation due to the “aggressive nature” of her case.

“I’m happy to say I’m doing great,” she continued. “I lost my hair during chemotherapy, but thanks to some amazing wigs and hats with hair (which my family affectionately called Wigats), I was able to wait until now to reveal everything that happened to me.”

The sitcom star continued to emphasize the importance of early detection in her case, telling fans: “I am making this announcement for several reasons. First, I’m ready to throw away the wigs. Second, to ask you to get your annual mammograms.”

She also encouraged readers to have their doctors calculate their breast cancer risk assessment score and to have any additional tests necessary.

“I’m serious, call your doctor immediately,” the “Office Ladies” podcast host wrote.

Getting the annual mammogram was literally a lifesaver for Fischer, who said, “If I had waited six months longer, it could have been a lot worse.”

Paying great respect to those who reminded her of the importance of screenings, she told her followers, “Seeing women posting photos of their mammogram appointments on Instagram made me want to schedule my own appointments (which I did I came too late). I’m so glad I did it.”

“Consider this your kick in the butt to make it through…” Suddenly, everything in your life revolves around one thing: fighting cancer.”