Jenna Fischer shared that after her diagnosis with a serious form of cancer, Christina Applegate was among the first to support her.
During a recent interview on the TODAY show, the former “The Office” actress talked about her journey with Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer. At 50 years old, Fischer announced her diagnosis in an October 8 social media post, in which she mentioned that her cancer was found early through diagnostic tests and that she is now cancer-free.
Fischer mentioned to host Hoda Kotb that Applegate was one of the initial calls she made after receiving her diagnosis. The Emmy-winning star of “Dead to Me” put Fischer in touch with other survivors, providing her with a community of support.
“I called her, and she picked up the phone, saying, ‘Which one is it?’ I responded, ‘It’s breast cancer,’ and she said, ‘I effing knew it,'” Fischer recounted, enjoying the candidness of their conversation. “She has a salty language, which I adore.”
In 2021, Applegate received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis while she was working on the third season of her series “Dead to Me.” Reflecting on her journey, she shared with fans via an X post that she has been supported by others with the same condition, stating, “It’s been a strange journey, but I have been backed by people who also have this issue. It’s been challenging, but the journey continues.”
Fischer kept her diagnosis private during her podcast
Fischer also explained how much support she got from her friends, specifically her best friend and co-host of the “Office Ladies” podcast, Angela Kinsley. She noted that Kinsley helped maintain her diagnosis as a secret while they recorded episodes to keep it a space for laughter, free from her cancer diagnosis.
“From the start, she told me, ‘Just let me know what you need; I’m here for you.’ I expressed that I wanted to keep working without anyone at the office knowing,” Fischer shared. “That was important to me.”
During chemotherapy, as Fischer experienced hair loss, she wore a wig hat, and Kinsley donned a cap in solidarity.
“At one point, I had a significant bald patch on one side of my head and resorted to an elaborate comb-over,” she stated with a laugh. “I totally get why some gentlemen choose to do that now!”
Fischer encourages women to schedule their mammograms
Through this experience, Fischer learned the importance of leaning on her support system, using humor as a coping mechanism, and cherishing the small things in life. Still, she had one vital message for women watching: do not skip mammograms.
“Please make sure you don’t neglect your mammogram appointment. Be sure to get all the additional screenings your doctor recommends,” Fischer urged.
Though she called the appointment “annoying” to set up, she attributed her early diagnosis to the exam, mentioning that a self-examination would not have revealed the small tumor.
“If I had delayed for another six months, it could have turned out much worse. It could have spread. My cancer was very aggressive,” she informed Kotb. “That routine mammogram made all the difference, and I’m incredibly thankful I went to that appointment.”
Understanding triple-positive breast cancer
Triple-positive breast cancer, the type Fischer was diagnosed with, means the cancer is sensitive to estrogen, progesterone, and HER2.
According to the National Cancer Institute, after skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American females. Over the past decade, breast cancer rates have risen by 1% annually, with the most significant increases seen in women under 50, as highlighted in a report by the American Cancer Society last week.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most insurance providers are required to cover annual mammogram screenings for individuals aged 40 and older. Earlier this year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advised mammogram screenings every other year from ages 40 to 74 for those considered at average risk for breast cancer.
