Jenna Fischer, known for her role on “The Office,” has shared her experience with a severe form of breast cancer.

On Tuesday, Fischer, aged 50, posted on Instagram about her cancer journey, which began around 10 months ago with a diagnosis of Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer. Fortunately, the cancer was found early through diagnostic imaging, and Fischer is currently “cancer-free,” though she is still taking treatment medications.

“October is breast cancer awareness month. I never imagined I’d be making this type of announcement, but here we are. Last December, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, I am now cancer-free,” she shared alongside a photo of herself in the process of growing out her hair, which had been affected by treatment.

In her subsequent posts, the actress, who co-hosts the “Office Ladies” podcast with Angela Kinsey, described how she initially received inconclusive results from a mammogram because of her dense breast tissue, which complicates cancer detection. A breast ultrasound and follow-up biopsy confirmed the existence of a tumor in her left breast.

After the tumor was surgically removed, she went through a 12-week chemotherapy treatment, followed by three weeks of radiation in June.

Fischer emphasizes: ‘Don’t skip your mammogram’

Fischer’s announcement included a strong message urging people to prioritize their annual mammograms. “Please remember to call your doctor about scheduling your mammogram. You should also ask your doctor for a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score to determine if you need any additional screenings. Don’t delay, contact your doctor right now,” she urged.

“My tumor was so small that it couldn’t be detected during a physical examination. If I had waited another six months, the situation could have been much worse. It might have spread,” she added. “Seeing women share their mammogram photos on Instagram inspired me to finally schedule mine, which I had been postponing. I’m so grateful that I did. Let this be your motivation to go and get it done.”

“Don’t skip your mammogram. Take it from Pam and her Pam Pams,” Fischer added playfully.

Understanding triple-positive breast cancer

Triple-positive breast cancer, the type Fischer was diagnosed with, means the cancer is positive for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2.

According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, following skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women. The incidence of breast cancer has increased by 1% annually over the past decade, particularly among women under 50, according to a report released by the American Cancer Society last week.

The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance providers to cover annual screening mammograms for individuals aged 40 and older. Earlier this year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended biannual mammograms from ages 40 to 74 for those at average risk for breast cancer.

‘The Office’ co-stars Angela Kinsey, Ellie Kemper show support

Friends and co-stars from “The Office” expressed their support for Fischer in the comments of her post.

Kinsey, known for her role as Angela in the show, commented, “I love you, and I’m so glad you’re sharing this. I’ll always have your back. ❤️”

Ellie Kemper, who portrayed Erin the secretary, wrote: “We love you, Jenna ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing and inspiring us.”

Also, Olivia Munn, who spoke about her own breast cancer experiences this year, expressed her pride in Fischer: “You already know how much I adore you, and I want to remind you how proud I am of you. By sharing your experience, you’re helping and saving many women. You’re amazing. 💖💖💖💖”

Jennifer Garner added her congratulations, stating, “Congratulations, @msjennafischer! I’m so relieved to hear you’re cancer-free! 💗”

Read Jenna Fischer’s complete statement regarding her breast cancer diagnosis

“Back in October 2023, I posted a picture on Instagram as I was preparing for my routine mammogram, with a humorous reminder to “take care of your ticking time bags,” a nod to Michael Scott. After the mammogram results were inconclusive due to dense breast tissue, my doctor suggested a breast ultrasound, which revealed something in my left breast. A biopsy followed, and on December 1, 2023, I received the diagnosis of Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer.

This type of breast cancer is aggressive, but it responds well to treatment. In January, I had a lumpectomy to excise the tumor. Fortunately, my cancer was detected early, and it hadn’t spread to my lymph nodes or elsewhere in my body. However, due to the aggressive nature of triple-positive breast cancer, I still needed chemotherapy and radiation.

In February, I began a series of 12 weekly chemotherapy sessions, followed by three weeks of radiation starting in June, all in an effort to ensure the cancer did not come back. I’m currently receiving Herceptin infusions and taking Tamoxifen daily, and I’m thrilled to report that I’m feeling fantastic.

While I did lose my hair during chemotherapy, I found solace in some wonderful wigs and hats (which my family lovingly dubbed “Wigats”), allowing me to keep my experiences to myself until now.

I’m sharing this news for a few reasons. First, I’m excited to say goodbye to the wigs. Second, I urge you to schedule your annual mammograms. Speak with your doctor about calculating your Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score and any other necessary screenings. Seriously, call your doctor right now! My tumor was so tiny that it couldn’t be detected during a physical exam. If I had delayed my screening by six months, the outcome could have been much graver. I’ve been inspired to set my own appointment because of other women sharing their mammogram experiences on Instagram. I’m grateful I did it, and I hope this encourages you to take action.

I’m also sharing my journey in hopes of providing support to any woman currently going through this. A cancer diagnosis changes your world instantly; it revolves around doctor visits, test results, treatments, and recovery. Life becomes focused on one goal: battling cancer.

Fighting cancer truly requires a strong support system, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a fantastic support network.

Before this experience, I didn’t fully appreciate the overwhelming support and kindness that people can show. It all started with a compassionate team of doctors and nurses—absolute angels in my life.

I met caregivers, some just once, who opened up about their own battles with breast cancer at precisely the times I needed encouragement. I also found a community of cancer survivors who offered guidance throughout my journey—people I once didn’t know but now consider family. Their support reinforced the power and importance of sharing experiences in this journey.

Another significant source of support came from my friends and family, who showed us endless love. Each person contributed in their unique ways: some sent weekly texts during my chemo, others accompanied me on walks or picked up our kids from school, dropped off meals, went wig shopping with me, or sent prayers through voice messages. Every gesture, no matter how small, was felt and appreciated. Many people in my life were unaware of my situation until very recently, and that was something I needed as well—spaces where I wasn’t just defined by my cancer.

Breast cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among women, as well as the second deadliest. In 2023, approximately 43,170 women lost their lives to this disease.

Fortunately, I’ve been able to continue working throughout my treatments, largely due to my best friend Angela Kinsey, who was my advocate. For a while, she was the only person at work who knew about my situation. When I lost my hair, she wore hats during our meetings so I wouldn’t feel isolated.

When I required time off, we took it. I feel incredibly lucky to have a job that offers such flexibility, as managing cancer treatment often demands it. For someone who likes to plan, this was quite the adjustment.

Still, working has brought so much joy to my life while going through treatment.

I often get asked, “How are the kids?” My children, aged 10 and 13, are doing well. We faced this situation as a family. They witnessed me maintaining many of the same routines like family meals and attending their school events, but they also saw the challenges that came with treatment, such as me needing to go to bed before them or take naps during the day. We informed their teachers and other supportive adults about our situation, relying on our community for support. They truly lifted us up through this process.

We made it through together.

Lastly, I must mention my husband Lee, who has been my unwavering support. He was truly by my side during every aspect of this journey—through surgeries, chemotherapy, doctor visits, endless research, and emotional breakdowns. I knew when I married him that he was one in a million. After I completed my final rounds of chemo and radiation, Lee asked how we could celebrate. I said I simply wanted to ring a bell in our backyard with the kids while everyone showered us with confetti. So, we did just that.

I’m excited to share that I recently underwent re-screening, and I am cancer-free! I will continue with treatments and monitoring to ensure I stay that way.

Remember, don’t skip your mammogram. Take it from me and my Pam Pams. Michael was right; get checked, ladies! And know that if you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, you’ll find a caring community waiting for you.

That’s all for now, Jenna xoxo