From one Office receptionist to another: Jenna Fischer and Lucy Davis' bittersweet bond over breast cancer as The Office US star shares message about the 'comfort of working' with British actress

Lucy Davis has received a heartfelt message of support from her US counterpart Jenna Fischer after revealing that she has been diagnosed with incurable cancer.

The Office star, 53, shared on Tuesday that she'd been diagnosed with incurable stage four breast cancer, and she 'doesn't know how long she has left'.

After announcing the news in an Instagram post, many stars offered heartfelt messages in the comments and among the wellwishers was Jenna, who took on Lucy's role of The Office receptionist in the US spinoff of the hit show.  

Jenna, 52, was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive breast cancer in 2023 but it was removed before it could spread to the rest of her body.

In her supportive message she echoed Lucy's words about the 'joy' of continuing work after a cancer diagnosis.

'Beautiful post. Love you lots,' Jenna wrote. 'And yes to working with cancer! Let’s spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!' 

Jenna, who played Pam Beesly on The Office US, revealed her cancer diagnosis in October 2024, explaining that the cancer had been 'aggressive but treatable'.

After being diagnosed in December 2023 she underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and now uses her platform to stress the life-saving value of routine mammograms and early detection. 

Jenna has also led campaigns to encourage companies whose employees have cancer to help them continue working if they wish. 

She has explained that she didn't initially go public with her own diagnosis because she feared she wouldn't be hired for acting jobs. The notion that she couldn't work was in fact far from the truth, with the actress even shooting a commercial during her third week of chemo. 

In her statement on Tuesday, Lucy said she 'still would like to keep working', insisting that 'I'm perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life.' 

In her post, Lucy shared that she first discovered a 'tiny, hard spot' in her breast a year ago and nearly ignored it before seeing a doctor.

The Wonder Woman star said that despite the cancer being declared incurable she's 'at peace with whatever comes next'.

Lucy shared her diagnosis alongside an emotional video that showed her ringing the cancer treatment bell, and she wrote in her post that she's been told it's 'too late' for her to undergo chemotherapy.

The star is best known for her role as Dawn Tinsley in Ricky Gervais's comedy The Office, and went on to star in the DC film Wonder Woman.

She wrote: 'Hi friends:) I wanted to share something with you all that I've kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now.

'A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasised to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.

'The initial lump that I felt, wasn't a 'lump' as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn't bother getting it checked. So I guess I'm saying don't ignore anything - get everything checked out.

'As of now, I'm trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. 

'And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there's a lot I have learned from it, and I'm grateful for that.

'As some of you will know, the pain can really be something else. Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!)

'The thing that has been most vital to me is humour. I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they're really good at), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person. 

'There's nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you're unwell.

'I'm not scared of whatever comes next. I'm at peace with it. I'll see my Gracie [her dog, who died in 2024] sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home. Any and all grieving is for my family; it's far harder for them than for me.

'I'm still going to keep up all my work for animal rights. It's so important to me. And I still would like to keep working. I'm perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life.

'For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose. Much love to you all.'

Following her announcement, Breast Cancer Now's Sally Kum released a statement, writing: 'We're deeply sorry to hear the news that Lucy Davis is living with metastatic, incurable breast cancer, and we're sending our thoughts and support to Lucy, her family and everyone close to her at this incredibly difficult time.

'Lucy's openness about her diagnosis will undoubtedly resonate with the many thousands of people living with metastatic breast cancer across the UK.

'While advances in breast cancer treatment mean that more people are living longer with the disease, metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, and Breast Cancer Now is committed to changing that so by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives and lives well.

'Lucy's story is a powerful reminder that we cannot take our foot off the accelerator. We need to supercharge the dial on metastatic breast cancer by driving greater investment in research, developing better and kinder treatments, and finding new ways to prevent the disease from progressing and ultimately taking more lives.

'We must keep pushing for game-changing discoveries and access to life-extending drugs like Enhertu so that people living with metastatic breast cancer can have more time to live.

'We're grateful to Lucy for sharing her experience so openly. We hope her honesty helps shine a light on the reality of metastatic breast cancer and the need for more research and support for everyone living with it.

'Anyone affected by breast cancer or seeking information and support can speak to Breast Cancer Now's expert nurses by calling the charity's free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000, or via its forum or email.'

Lucy made a name for herself as Dawn Tinsley in Ricky Gervais's The Office, and she has since gone on to appear in The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina as one of the lead's aunts, Hilda Spellman.

She also played Etta Candy in the 2017 Wonder Woman movie, and had filmed US comedy series Amy from Amarillo. 

Lucy has battled with ill health and in 1997 she had a kidney transplant, using an organ donated by her mother, Hazel.

The actress, who is diabetic, required hospital treatment with kidney failure in 2005 but went on to make a full recovery.

Lucy has also been open about her experience with bulimia, which was at its worst when she was going through a divorce in 2011.